By Francis Sadhere
The Delta state Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan today frowned at the way and manner politicians in the country go about the 2015 campaigns, saying that politicians were basing their campaigns on personality instead of issues.
The Governor stated this during a town hall meeting he held with Delta Central and Delta South Professional groups and civil society organizations in Warri.
Governor Uduaghan said this year’s electioneering campaigns are worst than other campaigns ever held in the country since independence.
He therefore, warned politicians in the country to stop making incisive statements that can results to serious security challenges in the country, adding that campaigns are all about convincing the people to vote for the candidates of their choice.
The Delta state Governor called on politicians to base their campaigns on issues rather than attacking personalities, noting that politicians should tell the people what they are going to do for the people rather than waste their time attacking their opponents.
Uduaghan also reiterated the importance of professional groups and civil society organizations in the electioneering process in Nigeria, saying such groups reshape the minds of the populace.
While saying that campaigns in Delta State have been peaceful so far, Governor Uduaghan advised politicians to go about their campaigns in an atmosphere of peace devoid any crisis.
Governor Uduaghan said investors are afraid to come to Nigeria to do business because they believe that the 2015 general elections would not be peaceful. He added that a lot of things will come back to normal after the elections, noting that politicians should educate their supporters on the need to have peaceful elections.
He also questioned the proliferation of first class degree from the Delta State University, Abraka, wondering why the university is churning out hundreds of first class degree holders from the institute.
He however said the proliferation of first class degree from the institute may not be unconnected with the scholarship scheme of the Federal and state Governments, saying that a lot of people who are not qualified to have first class degree are been awarded such because of the scholarships.
On the Delta Steel Company (DSC), Governor Uduaghan said the company has not been able pick up because of the way it was privatized, saying that there are a lot of issues that still needed to be resolved before it can be fully revitalized.
Governor Uduaghan urged all the professional bodies, civil society groups and all those who are qualified to vote to arm themselves with their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and ensure that they vote for all PDP candidates in the 2015 general election.
The guest speaker, Professor Sylvester Monye who discussed on the topic: “Governing Under Siege: An Assessment of The President Goodluck Jonathan Administration 2011—2015,” said President Jonathan administration has performed more than his predecessors but his achievement have been under-reported.
He said President Jonathan has performed well in the areas of tackling corruption, power, education, agriculture, infrastructures and other areas.
