Politicians have been advised to maintain decorum and follow rules of political engagement as they campaign ahead of 2023 general elections in the country.
The Chairman, Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze John Ibezim handed down this advice Friday evening during the occasion of 2022 Iwaji (new yam) ceremony by traditional rulers from the area, stating “Politics is a game on the play ground and not a fight in the battlefield or war front. Therefore, the other side is an opponent not enemy”.
According to him, “Our role as Ndieze and Royal fathers during periods such as the present state is to advise the ruling class and the politicians generally”.
He maintained “Chances of breakdown of law and order are greatest during this period. Our contribution is to dish out upheaval preventive advice to the political subset of our population.
“Candidates should highlight only governance related properties in them which are deficient in their opponents. Arguments should be concentrated on issues devoid of character assassination.
“It should be centered on proof of superior personality profile relative to political position being contested. Personality profile in this context implies superior or sufficient formal education, experience in human and material resources management.
“A candidate should therefore highlight major career successes, breakthroughs and innovations in service history. A candidate for executive position should be able to project his vision for specific time frame, that implies where he wants to be and how to get there.
“Candidates should tell the public how they will attain maximum success despite obvious prevailing obstacles of insufficient resources. Consequently, the very best candidates are still to come.
“For example, how would you as the incoming Chief Executive manage an overwhelming wage bill indebtedness obstacle?
“A candidate should tell the public, aspects in the present system he will drop, continue with or without adjustments and why if elected.
“As the Chief Executive how would you handle the current incessant ASUU strikes permanently? How will you restore value to the Naira?
“Compulsory debate among contestants on political and administrative issues is very important and necessary. It affects over 50% candidates preference among the electorates.
“Debates are also interesting, educative and entertaining. It is a very important process the potentialities in individual candidates and needs to eschew electioneering hypocrisy.
“Many people cannot afford the current process of electing candidates, consequently, the very best candidates are still to come”.
