Point of Order (1)

The political class has started again o!

For goodness sake, when are we going to learn??? Why don't we concentrate on issues, policies, ideologies, stakes and timeline, now....Then, worry about zoning, quota, gender, etc. later???

Those who ruined the past are now busy dictating and derailing the pace, the platforms and polluting the polity. Nigerians are being deliberately confused. We must stop them.

Right now, let only candidates speak. Supporters and godfathers should hold their peace. If you are contesting, tell us what you have in stock, and contend with your competitors. Let the political parties hit the recruitment trail, with their full manifestoes. All others should be lining up behind their favourite parties or candidates, and let's have robust debates by those who seek office and votes. 2007 is not just about the presidency. It should be more about the states and local governments. Time for accountability of both office-holders and their present parties.

If we don't debate the STATES, how can we determine which governors (or LG chairmen) are good materials for higher office - say, senate or presidency? How then do we pressure the ICPC, EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau/Tribunal to act on all 1999 & 2003 frauds/infringements?

May we also realise that this unproductive approach to politicking may be another arrow in the quiver of the ruling party to achieve 'Third Term' by other means. A ploy to derail the proper or due process of electioneering! Have we so easily forgotten the bribe-for-vote saga? And the boasts of its proponents that all is not yet over??? Better not o!

Finally, the MEDIA must save us from the unfocussed political class. They should help set the agenda. Ignore the self-serving headline-seekers. Play down this whole noise about zoning or no zoning. Since it is not yet in the consttution, it needs to be negotiated. When that time comes, the quality of all candidates on parade will matter. Manifestoes will matter. Parties will matter.
In other words, these be the conditions-precedent for successful bargaining. Let's go for THEM! Right now, thank you. Dump the joke.