2014/2015 ELECTIONS: A CLARION CALL ON ITSEKIRI POLITICIANS TO EXHIBIT PATRIOTISM AND NOT PAROCHIAL LEANINGS

We have watched with dismay the development in Itsekiri-land in the last one and half decades, especially, as it relates to placement of contestants in the various political parties.

Ordinarily, we would not have liked to meddle in the selection process of the various political parties. Even now we do not intend to do so. However, as Leaders that have done so much to protect the collective interest and sanctity of the Itsekiri people for over four decades, we have become sensitive to the fading glory which our “political ambassadors” have made us go through in the last sixteen years. We say without any equivocation whatsoever, that Itsekiri have never had it so bad in the annals of her History. As we go into the 2014/2015 elections, we are in accord with the Itsekiri people, within Nigeria and in Diaspora that this inglorious trend must not only be halted but reversed.

We make this call in our desire to preserve, sustain and deepen democracy in Itsekiri land as it were. We desire that all Itsekiri politicians in the various political parties should put our people’s collective interest above party, personal, family and sectional consideration. After all, the political parties are just platforms/structures for ascension to governance which essentially is all about satisfying the desires of the people.

In Itsekiri land, historically, party/elective positions are never based on parochial considerations like family, friendship or business interest; rather, merit and competence have always been the weighty criteria in recommending contestants for party offices.

We are disturbed by the general open comments and reactions to posters and billboards currently on display regarding the coming elections. We hope that the processes involved in throwing up candidates for these positions, without prejudice to various party guidelines, are healthy, non-family focussed, fair, non-scandalous such that the best Itsekiri candidates in the parties would emerge. We condemn all manner of selection to represent parochial family interests, detrimental to the general interest of the Itsekiri people. Itsekiri is not a family share-holding affair.

Let all Itsekiri politicians be guided and guarded!

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