INC poll: Eligibility, not popularity, must guide candidate disqualifications, says Diaspora stakeholder
A renowned diaspora leader, Dadiowei K. Akpeti, has emphasised that disqualification of candidates in the forthcoming Ijaw National Congress (INC) presidential race should be guided strictly by constitutional eligibility, rather
A renowned diaspora leader, Dadiowei K. Akpeti, has emphasised that disqualification of candidates in the forthcoming Ijaw National Congress (INC) presidential race should be guided strictly by constitutional eligibility, rather than popularity.
Speaking on the state of the race, Akpeti argued that the INC has evolved beyond past perceptions and is now in a critical phase that demands intellectual depth and strategic foresight.
“Disqualification of candidates is based on individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria set by the INC. Popularity does not equate to suitability, and the INC constitution is sacrosanct and always supreme,” he stated.
He further noted that the INC has moved beyond being perceived as a body of mere agitators or militants. “We are in a critical phase of intellectual agitation and strategic positioning to project our intellectual side,” he said.
Akpeti highlighted the role of the Ijaw people within Nigeria’s intellectual elite, urging the community to showcase its strength. Citing recent developments, he pointed out that no Ijaw individual appeared on a recent list of criminal deportees from the United States.
“This is a commendable achievement, considering we are the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria. Our sons and daughters in the diaspora have excelled in demonstrating our heritage as honest and hardworking people. I, with all humility, am a true example of the hardworking and decent Izon child,” he added.
Highlighting individual accomplishments, Akpeti praised the success of Ijaw professionals abroad.
“We have in Houston one of the most successful doctors, Dr. Dama Ziworitin, who has made us proud with excellence in obstetrics and gynaecology. We are indeed intellectually gifted.”
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He described the current field of aspirants as both crowded and encouraging. “Indeed, we have a crowded field full of heavyweights. Nonetheless, it is very encouraging to see that interest in leading the Ijaw people has grown tremendously,” he concluded.
"We are seeing a race with participants that have excelled in their various fields of endeavour. This may, and I hope will, give them the needed political and financial connections to stand away from dependence on political resources, thereby eliminating the issue of manipulation and control from political office holders."
On allegations of government sponsorship, he said there was no proof to substantiate such claims but warned against any interference.
"I am yet to see proof that any candidate is being sponsored by the government."
"If this is so, it is a very sad development and would lead us to the vicious circle of ridicule. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to the government to stay clear and allow the Ijaw people to choose who would lead them."
He further called for greater scrutiny of candidates’ financial independence and track records.
"It is time we stop electing people without a proven, verifiable and strong financial base. I hope that the electoral committee has taken the financial independence of every candidate into consideration and also a track record of excellence, to avoid a situation where a candidate sneaks in and exploits the position to milk the Ijaw people."
Commending the INC’s past efforts, he said its strategic agitation had delivered tangible political gains.
"The INC has done well. The strategic agitation was instrumental in giving us the Vice President position, which thereafter led us to having the first Ijaw president," he said.
He disclosed that his company, Spotless in Minutes has committed huge resources as a major sponsor of the forthcoming presidential debate, pointing out that: "It is a sacrifice I have made to give the Ijaw nation an opportunity to hear from each candidate and select the right man for the job." I have done my part, let the delegates do theirs
"I am a major stakeholder and, as such, I cannot sit down to watch us suffer from the consequences of having a president not befitting of the position."
He said he had partnered with the Ijaw National Development Group to organise what he described as an unprecedented debate in the history of the INC.
He praised key members of the group for their efforts in bringing the event to fruition and expressed readiness to support future initiatives.
Describing the INC as the parent body of all Ijaws globally, he said it remained the primary platform to promote and negotiate the interests of the people.
"Speaking as a major stakeholder in the diaspora, we intend to use the INC to negotiate for our cause by showcasing what we have done without help and stating what we can achieve with the assistance, support and cooperation of local and international governments and organisations,'' he said.
He called for policies that would enable diaspora professionals to invest at home without fear, pointing to distinguished figures in medicine, engineering, small and medium enterprise development and legal practice who could help reposition the region.
"These very skilled minds have more than it takes to bring their wealth of experience to negotiate and bring to life a very strongly positioned Ijaw nation."
"If the Ijaw people have served us well in the diaspora, there is no reason why they cannot do the same at home," he said.