NEW DAWN – NICOT
A fresh tussle for who occupies the leadership positions in NICOT, has begun, with new faces showing up to battle with the old ones in NICOT’S election this year.
While the atmosphere is turbo charged, a resounding question begging for answers is; what could have prompted the Nigerians in Turkey to put their energies, monies and time in the forthcoming election slated for September 11th, 2021?.
There are many areas to put into consideration, and the fact that there are many factors affecting the community and of which, the old regime seemed to find it difficult to find everlasting solutions which prompted many Nigerians that they want to be part of the solution, precisely, change, that is their slogan. And I quote ” Change is like a phenomenon which everybody wants, but we are all afraid to change. The tendency of change brings fair, in the long run change, hence to be a solution to a dying nation or community, change is inevitable”.
The incumbent administration whose tenures have expired refused to let Barton off their hands, many have picked the tickets to run against the new aspirants. The main reason was that they have put so much energy and have invested financially into the community according to the source gathered so far.
I was tempted to ask, is this an NGO? Is it not a high time to let the young ones take over?
The fact must be told, NICOT is a replica of Nigeria Government, in all indication the new comers aren’t given the opportunity to run against them, and it has brought division among other communities. From a pointer of the constitution, many will not be able to meet up with the criteria stated in the constitution, however, they might be saved through by-laws.
In the NICOT election, the incumbent President has no opposition, it has given him automatic win whereas other positions will be contested for.
I thought it would be ideologically wise to have someone to run against the incumbent President but unfortunately, we have two candidates running for the post of Vice President, it sounds ridiculous!
According to the chairman of the constitutional governing body of the community, he said, we have to abide by the constitution.
These are the following contestants with their dream positions, Prince Emre Magboh, President, Segun Timothy Alade, Vice President, Enifome Ubogu, Vice President, Fagha Gbenga Cifford, General Secretary, Oluwole M. Jolaosho, Publicity Secretary Obi Wisdom Anusi,Treasurer, Umut Isa Daramola, Sport Officer, Deniz Enyong, Sport Officer, Obi S. Macphilips Peter, Sport Officer, Gregory O. Akinsipe, Media Coordinator, TitilayoElizabeth Alabi, Women Affairs, Maureen Asik, Women Affairs, Taofik Abiodun Amuni, Financial Secretary, Public Relation Officer, Gift Isreal Oneyzonwu, Public Relation Officer. Francis Nwachukwu, Provost, Kelly Itila Akhimien, Social Welfare, Christian Jumbo, Social Welfare, respectively.
It is a new dawn for NICOT if most of the contestants win in their various positions, they have a lot of work to do in reshaping the community and to work in synergy with the Turkish Authorities in achieving bilateral relationship, likewise with the Nigerian Embassy in the capital, Ankara.
The population of Nigerians in Turkey has increased in recent times, hence the community has to buckle up to make life easier for its citizens.
I hope the outcome of the election will change the community for the better, in conjunction with inclusive participation.
Babajide A.Martins Faleru. Freelance writer, London School of Journalism Alumni.
