Chief Ike Bruno Onyeso is a Diasporan Nigerian based in California, United States. In this interview with Anthony Iwuoma, the cardiopulmonary care practitioner spoke on sundry issues including the frustration of Nigerians, living abroad with their exclusion from the country’s electoral process. More significantly, Onyeso insisted that Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, a contender for the post of Speaker of the incoming House of Representatives should rescind his decision to contest based on cases of alleged perjury and conviction about him in the courts.
Nigeria has elected a new crop of leaders and the National Assembly about to be inaugurated. What do you think about Nigeria’s democratic experience?
Nigeria’s democracy is far from being perfect, as the government has a big task of restoring faith in the electoral system. A system where the citizens display nonchallant attitude toward the election of candidates into political offices is troubling. The cynicism of the voters were heightened during the last election, which started with postponement, rigging and vote buying in the glare of the public.
President Muhammadu Buhari has his work cut out for him. He should use most of his second term repairing the mistrust amongst Nigerians and to have faith in the system.
The South East claims that it has not been accommodated in the mainstream political leadership of the country. Do you agree?
It is self-evident that the South-east for whatever reasons has suffered much neglect. If you look at the political leadership of the country, there is no South-easterner n the top bracket. This means that the area, a major stakeholder in the country, is not represented in the decision making process of the country. This is unfair and unacceptable.
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A country that is desirous of peace and prosperity should be fair to all of its component parts and give every section a sense of belonging. That is just what the South East is demanding – to be seen and treated as part and parcel of this country, not as a pariah or second hand appendage.
Are you saying the region is justified in its demand to produce the next speaker of the House of Representatives?
The South East region’s demand for equity vis-a-vis speakership of the House is well justified. The South-east has presented a credible contender for the speakership of the Green Chamber, who is well liked by both political divides and can unite the country, as opposed to looking for someone to defeat.
The whole world , including South East citizens in the Diaspora, is keenly following developments in Abuja and their son, Hon. Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, a doctorate degree holder in Law., his quest for the speakership of the 9th Assembly.
What’s your assessment of the principal contenders?
The contenders are all politicians with baggage and different ideologies. It is important that one of the candidates who had a conviction here in the United States drops his ambition for speakership. In fact, it was a grievous mistake to even allow him to contest the election and now emboldened to seek the speakership position.
It is an aberration for this man, who knew that in our clime, once a conviction is secured in the United States, whether misdemeanour or felony, you are barred from contesting for any political office. He perjured himself, lied his way to the Green Chamber and still had the effrontery to seek for the speakership. He should step down and leave the Green Chamber.
Do you honestly feel that Nwajiuba has what it takes to lead the House?
Hon. Barr. Nwajiuba is an astute politician, who, unabashedly, will take the house to the Next Level the government has promised. He is well liked by his colleagues because of his ability to find a common ground between both parties. He is a team player and his goal is to unite the country. He is adaptable, adventurous, affectionate and very ambitious.
Like I earlier opined that this House should elect Hon. Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, who is from the South East and very competent to take the House to the Next Level. Diapsorans are glued to the intrigues taking place in Abuja and we do hope that the best man with experience will pilot the affairs of the National Assembly for the next four years and that person is Hon. Barr. Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba.
How do Nigerians in the Diaspora feel about Nigeria’s electrical process?
Every Nigerian in Diaspora feels abandoned by the Nigerian government by not allowing its citizens in the Diaspora to vote. We have investments in Nigeria and in investing, we are helping in growing the economy.
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We are disenfranchised and I think it does not augur well for the development of the Country. Australia accepts votes from its citizens living abroad. USA has the same system where its citizens living abroad are allowed to vote; only the absentee ballots make a huge difference to the outcome of the election.
What would you advise INEC to do to accommodate Nigeria abroad in its programme?
The Nigeria Congress should have a second look at the constitution that bars the Diasporans from voting in the general election. The onus is on the Nigeria Congress. It is sheer hypocrisy for the politicians to tell the Diasporans that our skills are appreciated in Nigeria and yet we can’t vote. It’s all talk and no action.
The recent announcement by Mr. Fetus Okoye, the INEC Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, that the Diasporans cannot vote because the 1999 constitution did not include them is disingenuous. NASS should take up the issue and deal squarely with it.
President Muhammadu Buhari has since been reelected and sworn in. Whats your assessment of his administration so far?
The President just got reelected and have not even assembled his cabinet. I pray that he attracts men and women of diverse background and competence. During his first term, the appointments were lopsided . All eyes are on him this time to do the right thing and the promised Next Level will be attained with pomp and pageantry.