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[OPINION] IYC ODI CONVENTION 2024: A Call For The Review Of Option A4 Electoral System

Published

1 year ago

December 23, 2024

Editor

First, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the 9th National Executive Council (NEC) of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), ably led by Sir Jonathan Olokpobiri Snr, for achieving what many considered impossible over the years. Their commitment and diligence have resulted in a successful constitution review convention, held in Odi, Bayelsa State.

I also thank God for the peaceful conduct of the convention and extend my sympathy to the Abuja Chapter accident victims. We thank God that no live was lost, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.

While it is heartwarming to see the Council beginning to function with the spirit and letters of this new constitution, I must raise concerns about the adoption of the Option A4 voting method for electing officers at all levels. For those unfamiliar with the term Option A4, it simply means delegates physically queuing behind their preferred aspirants in an election. Though this method was endorsed at the Odi Convention, I believe its implications require further scrutiny.

Proponents of Option A4 argue that it will reduce the financial cost of running for an electoral office and curb monetization of the Council’s elections. While these points have merit, we must consider the peculiarities of the Ijaw people and the potential risks of this method.

The history of election-based violence, such as the chaos at Abuloma that claimed lives, underscores the perils of public voting methods. If open-secret ballots, which offer a semblance of privacy, could provoke threats and violence, how much more an entirely open process like Option A4?

We should not contest the fact that Option A4 would further fan the flames of emotional outbursts, intimidation, and retaliation. For instance, if an aspirant sees a delegate who had received money from him standing behind an opponent, it could lead to violence or something worse.

Furthermore, the claim that Option A4 will reduce monetization of the Council’s elections is not entirely true. Aspirants may now feel compelled to invest more heavily in securing delegates’ loyalty, leading to increased financial pressures rather than alleviating them.

Again, as an institution operating within the framework of democratic principles, the IYC must align with global best practices that prioritize voter privacy and post-election harmony. In no sane society, even in classroom elections for a class captain, is a voting method that compromises secrecy adopted. The sanctity of the ballot is crucial for safeguarding the bond among members after elections. Whoever a delegate or voter chooses to support should remain confidential, known only to them and their conscience, without fear of scrutiny or retaliation.

On a positive note, I commend the correction made touching the term “Secretary General,” which was erroneously used instead of “National Secretary.” This adjustment reflects progress in addressing wrong appellations in the Council.

In the spirit of comradeship, I urge all stakeholders to critically review the Option A4 system for the safety and progress of the Council. A sustainable electoral framework that balances transparency, fairness, and security is essential for our collective advancement.

Icon-James Tam
Former Parliamentarian & Former ZECO Secretary, IYC Western Zone

News

Edo NLC Crisis: Caretaker Committee Drags Rival Exco, Govt To Court

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The division in the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), took a new dimension on Wednesday as Prof. Monday Monday Lewis Igbafen-led caretaker committee approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, Benin Judicial Division, seeking to affirm its authority and restrain a rival executive from parading itself as the council’s leadership.

Joined in the suit are the Edo State Government, the Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

In a suit marked: NICN/BEN/12/2026, and filed before the court in Benin, the claimant, Igbafen, acting for himself and on behalf of the NLC Caretaker Committee in Edo State, is challenging the continued occupation of the union’s secretariat and control of its assets by members of the Bernard Egwakhide-led factional State Executive Council.

The claimants are asking the court to declare that the caretaker committee (Igbafen-led faction), constituted on August 11, 2025, by the NLC national leadership, remains the only lawful authority to administer the affairs of the Edo State Council pending fresh elections.

They further seek a declaration that the continued occupation of the NLC secretariat located at No. 1 Teboga Road, Benin City, as well as the retention of union assets, financial records, and official instruments by the defendants, is illegal and void.

The suit also prays for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from parading themselves as officials of the NLC Edo Council or interfering with the functions of the caretaker committee.

In addition, the claimants are seeking a mandatory order compelling the defendants to immediately hand over the secretariat, vehicles, financial documents, cheque books, and all other properties belonging to the union.

The caretaker committee further urged the court to restrain the state government and its officials from interfering in the internal affairs of the union, alleging undue support for the dissolved executive.

The claimants further demand N50 million as general and exemplary damages against the defendants for alleged unlawful usurpation of office and acts prejudicial to the administration of the council.

According to court documents made available to our correspondent, the crisis followed the dissolution of the Edo State Council by the NLC National Executive Council on February 27, 2025, over allegations of misconduct, anti-union activities, and constitutional violations.

However, the matter has yet to be assigned a hearing date.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

9 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

9 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.