REASON 1 – ZONING
I do this whenever there is an election. I share my thoughts about the candidates I will be voting for, for certain offices. Many persons have reached out to me in the past to say I swayed them to vote one way or the other. I love it. I hope to sway more with this latest round of conversation.
But seriously, this is something I enjoy doing. I also enjoy the conversation around this. I also enjoy the naivety or deliberate obscurantism of folks who come to say things like “social media don’t win elections; there is no polling booth on social media”. Yet, Governors and other politicians appoint hundreds of aides on social media, open and maintain social media channels.
Some of these folks who want to belittle these conversations we have on social media are even SA’s and PA’s to a Governor on Social media. Very ironic, right? Well, we know they are not sincere because they only attempt to belittle or ridicule these conversations when it doesn’t align with their political stance.
Social media is important. These conversations work. Let’s have them.
Now, back to the first reason that will make me vote for Hon Mike Usibe to represent me and the good people of Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency; it is zoning and inclusion.
A few days ago I shared my thoughts on the concept of zoning and inclusion as the very bedrock of democracy. I said it is ideal but I also warned against it’s usage by mercantile politicians who use it as a weapon of deceit and aggrandisement.
In my own words, my resolve on zoning is: “I have, therefore, resolve to promote this as much as I can but not to split unnecessary hairs about it. I will always consider it but I will not put it first in my consideration for choosing someone for an elective position.
So, whenever I see the concept of zoning or inclusion happening truly by chance or by design, I will jump on board. This is what is happening now. I don’t think Mike Usibe emerged as a candidate for this election based on any deliberate zoning arrangement by the PDP or anyone, but I’m happy that his emergence resonates with the idea of inclusive democracy.
Since 1999, an Ukelle man or woman has never represented us either in the Senate or House of Representatives; Mike Usibe is an opportunity to give them a chance to represent us and lead us in this democratic conversation at that level. All lovers of democracy and inclusiveness can’t miss this chance.
But effective representation at the House of Representatives or any elective office for that matter goes beyond zoning, tribal or ethnic inclusiveness. If that is all Usibe is bringing to the table then he is not worth our time. But this is not all. There are 20 other reasons why we should vote for Mike Usibe.
Keep a date with me as we discuss other reasons; the more important one
Suffragiumus, Usibe.
– By Firsts Baba Isa (FBI)
