Wealthy Nigerians as well as public spirited people have been called upon to assist the less privileged people in the society to ameliorate their plight in the face of the current daunting economic challenge.
This appeal was made by Mr. Ejiro Eyanasah, Capoon, Rainbow Deck Anchor Point of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) also known as Pyrates Confraternity in Effurun, Delta State during the Deck’s 2023 Annual Feast of Barracuda/Public Lecture.
The Public Lecture, “The Development of Our Electoral Laws and INEC: Their Impacts on the Electoral System,” and “Fuel Subsidy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward” were delivered by a Constitutional lawyer, Akpo Mudiaga Odje and a University don, Prof. Mano-Ben Okpevra, lecturer in the Delta State University(DELSU), Abraka.
Mr. Eyanasah stressed that the annual feast of Barracuda is NAS event that is a day set aside for members to interact with non-members of the larger society, to discuss issues militating against nationhood and to proffer solutions to national issues to achieve an egalitarian society through discussion.
According to Eyanasah, “the idea of the Feast of Barracuda is to address issue affecting our society for the overall betterment of our dear country. It is what we do annually to bring non members for interaction. This celebration is done not only here but across the world.”
He revealed that during the symbolic cutting of the Barracuda fish, members and non members usually drop a token which we use for different people-oriented projects that alleviates the pains of the less privileged in the society.
In his key note address and lecture titled, “The Development of Our Electoral Laws and INEC: Their Impacts on the Electoral System,” Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, a Constitutional lawyer faulted the Supreme Court ruling which nullified the inadmissibility of the INEC portal as evidence in court, which was amended for transparency in section 62 of the Electoral Act.
Dr. Mudiaga-Odje lamented that despite all the troubles the country went through to ensure that we have credible election by using BIVAS machines, the Supreme Court has taken the country backward by saying that it’s only manual results that will determine any election dispute in Nigeria.
Accordng to Dr. Mudiaga-Odje, “in the issue of double nomination, the Supreme Court decided, in the case between APC and PDP, that it is not the business of an opposition party to challenge the nomination process of another party.”
He said that unless the electoral laws in Nigeria are amended to favour the weak, Nigeria will continue to suffer in the hands of the politicians.
Dr Mudiaga-Odje also explained that the allegation of certificate forgery on President Bola Tinubu, will not hold water because the University has not denied issuing him the certificate and the alleged real owner of the certificate is nowhere to be found.
He said that the Electoral Law has not been able to solve the issue of rigging because, according to him, rigging is done even before the real election, adding that there is no court in Nigeria that tries electoral offenders.
The constitutional lawyer also accused INEC of not carrying out proper delineation of wards which he alleged is done in favour of the North.
Also speaking, the guest speaker, Prof. Mano-Ben Okpevra, lecturer in the Delta State University, Abraka, in his lecture titled, “Fuel Subsidy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward” he said the issue of fuel subsidy in Nigeria is complex and multifaceted, requiring careful analysis and well-thought-out solutions.
He urged Nigerians to actively engage in discussions and contribute to finding sustainable solutions for country’s energy sector.
Accordng to Prof. Okpevra, “by addressing the challenges associated with fuel subsidies and embracing reforms, Nigeria can embark on a path towards economic growth, energy sustainability and a better quality of life for its citizens.
“By and large, fuel subsidy in Nigeria has been a contentious issue, posing significant challenges to the economy and the welfare of its citizens. While the withdrawal of subsidies may be a difficult and politically sensitive decision, it is crucial for the long-term sustainability and growth of the nation.
“A well-planned and gradual approach to subsidy reform, coupled with investments in renewable energy and social welfare programs can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous Nigeria,” Prof. Okpevra said.
Earlier, Engr Chief Sonny Daboner, Chairman of the occasion, urged all participants during the discussion session to contribute meaningfully to the issues that will affects the development of the country with a view to proffering solutions to the problems.
Chief Andy Asowata, a discussant lamented that Nigeria being a federated country, has placed too much power on the Central, noting that until power is given to each of the federating units, the minority will continue to be oppressed.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the “Barracuda Fish” by the Chairman of the occasion, Engr (Chief) Sonny Daboner as participants feasted on it with utmost delight while making donations towards putting in place people oriented projects.
