A New Electoral System For Nigerian Bar Association Is Possible–Akeredolu Peter Temidayo AP

Without mentioning the fact that the invitation extended to these aspirants is not necessary for their presence but for their donations, l count it very costly to travel the length and breadth of Nigeria in that circumstances not financially alone but in terms of health, danger of journeys and the hazard of a monotonous travelling itineraries. I asked myself, is there any difference between our Bar politics and the conventional political party politics? I say no but with the qualification that ours is more onerously constructed as you have to visit at least 3 branches in a State. The resultant effect of this includes; -Unnecessary ripping off of contestants by greedy Branch Chairmen and their YLF counterparts, -Deteriorative state of health of contestant due to unending travelling, -Chambers of contestants suffering from unavailability of the alter ego, -Discouragement of not too rich, not too healthy and not too outgoing but suitably qualified candidates, -Creation of candidates who would win election and not care what the Branches are going through. At least they paid the price. To the above there is a simple solution and it is; -Let the constitution ban direct and physical campaign, -The Constitution should ban any contestant from accepting invitation from any branch whatsoever to any event, -Anyone contesting must not under any guise give money to any lawyer, -Campaign should be strictly internet based and regulated as stated below; -No creation of individual Whatsapp Page, Facebook page or any other social media page, -Electoral Committee should create a portal where all contestants would be accorded equal opportunities to drop their profile and manifestoes, -The Electoral Committee should allow all members access to the portal and easily too. The above would; -sanitize our system and create a level playing ground for all, -throw up qualified candidates and not just money bags, -give room for issue based campaign -set the pace for a new electoral system in Nigeria. I am not sure whether this write up is not too late for the constitutional amendment that is ongoing but it is my observation from the Campaign so far. Akeredolu Peter Temidayo APT Chairman, YLF ADO EKITI]]>