www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408643_nisd_jpeg3be8160565afcecc57c88704521e0a03

Whao! Whao!! Whao!!! Ladies and gentlemen, the educational aficionados, the cerebral analysts and pundits, respected Nairaland intelligentsia and commentariat, observers and watchers all well respected Nigerian students both in Nigeria and Abroad, it's our pleasure to welcome you once again to THE SECOND EDITION OF NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE, the ESSAY SUBMISSION STAGE, Twenty four schools applied for this EDITION but only SIX school sent across their ENTRY ESSAY which presupposes that 6 schools will be climbing the fence of this phase to the group stage...
The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*

TOPIC:
www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408709_decamping_jpeg4238c871a809b822d9c5f05cce1b1c02

Decamping of Political office holder: an indication of a better nation or a rebrand of national problems?

CHIEF HOST
Seun GCFR-NL
Mark Zuckergerg of Nigeria
CEO of Nairaland and Nigeria's youngest billionaire

CHAIRMAN
lalasticlala


COORDINATOR
Olawalebabs
Fynestboi
Richiez
Fattybabakay


JUDGES
Obinoscopy
Tgirl4real



www.nairaland.com/attachments/2408709_decamping_jpeg4238c871a809b822d9c5f05cce1b1c02

CONTESTANTS
OAU VS ABU ZARIA
[size=15pt]OAU[/size]
miracy
microflux
bolaji73
Oluwatola93




[size=15pt]ABU ZARIA[/size]
barackodam
teamsimple
neemcie
danjuma827

1.) All contestants representing each citadel are expected to forward their essay to the designated email on or before (Saturday 10am) anything antithetical to this hypothecates disqualification.

2.) The recommended font size is the default size (size 8.) and the colour is Green for the supporting side and BLUE for the opposing side. Please note that you are to use the designated colour all through the debate period.

3.) The essay should be in maximum of 1000 words.

4.) The use of SMS language and abbreviations are strictly interdicted.

5.) All materials used should be properly referenced at the end of the essay.

JUDGING CRITERIA (5 marks each)

1. Presentation

2. Logic of arguments

3. Strenght of facts, examples, cases.

4. Persuasiveness

5. Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the subject

hi

Name: Sobaloju Israel Dara
School: Obafemi Awolowo University.
Username on Nairaland: Microflux



DECAMPING OF POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDER: AN INDICATION OF A BETTER NATION OR A REBRAND OF NATIONAL PROBLEM.
Most of the headlines that ravaged the news portals(both the prints,TV stations and Radio stations inclusive) in Nigeria throughout the pre-elections and post-elections period had "Decamp'' as the action word. Due to the misappropriation, misinterpretation and misconceptions of the word ''Decamp'', listeners, viewers, and readers had been swayed off. Therefore they unjustly judge the word and sometimes propose to abolish it. That is why I am here today to debunk the usage without surmising. But before I proceed, however it is absolutely imperative to give honour to whom honour is due. I salute you, the moderators, chairperson, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters, fellow Nairalanders, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Sobaloju Israel a student of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, I am here today to speak for the statement that says ''Decamping of Political office holder: an indication of a better nation''
In our bid to understand why decamping of political office holder is an indication of a better Nation, it is, perhaps wise and appropriate for us to understand what we mean by the term political decamping.
For a better undersanding, The term decamp is quite clearly attributed to the political world. Political decamping, therefore, means suddenly leaving a party for another.
The political office holders of a nation are the determinants of her development, for the period they are imminent in the office. Therefore, if the citizens expects good governance, and development, the political class should be independent on steps they take concerning their political platform. It stands to reason that any politician in his or her right senses, would strictly obey the tenets of good governance and the citizens betterment in his decisions.
One of the holy books emphatically cited ''Bad company corrupts good manners.'' when a poltician(party member) is surrounded with fraudsters, or individuals guilty of all vertical offences. His or her operations will seem like a seed growing amidst thorns. In no time, the thorns will overshadow and kill the seed as it germinates. So, therefore, when a good politician is operating among bad peers, their evil deed will overshadow his works, and even corrupt him. To be rigid on these, I will like to infer a story from the Bible. In the holy book, when God wanted to bless Abram, he called him out of his father's (Teran) house. Why? In my view, because if he bless him in his father's house, the corrupted ones therein will exhorbitantly exploit him, and make all his blessings a waste. My opponent may opine, were they not supported by my so-called bad company during elections? I also, will like to ask, was Abram not born and bred in his father's house?
On the other hand, we should see political decamping(when justly done) as a blessing to our constitution in these generation, because it gives politicians the right to outrightly protest any forceful claims by their political parties or leaders. Instead of negating actions of decampees, we citizens should see to holding our political leaders responsible for their manifestoes during electioneering campaigns.
Unequivocally, it is a truism that in politics there is no parmanent friends but permanent rights. One veritable instrument by which politicians give eloquent expression, of this concept of parmanet rights as against parmanent friends is through decamping from one political camp to another whenever the individual's right is threatened or arbitrated by the camp. For avoidance of doubt, the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended). Accordingly, sections 68(1) (g) and 109 (1) (g) of the constitution copiously gauranteed the right to decamp in events of factions or crisis. Fortunately, this is an advantage to the growth of our tender democracy. In recent times, one of the major reasons why political office holders are not effective in their duties is because of the pressure applied on them by their political platform leaders in choosing their political counterparts(ministers, commisioners, aides among others). Whereas this people imposed on them to be placed in this positions are people of bad governance record. This may lead to segregation or division. The best solution in view of the rights such political office holder has, by the constitution, if the pressure is hyped, he can decamp to another party where he will be able to fufil is aims for the citizens betterment. Decamping is a blessing indeed!
Political decamping, sure, do have a negative effect on our democracy, when unjustly done because of self interest. But it's sure a catalyst in our constitution, that gives enablement to politicians for freedom of their will. With this, I will buttress my assertions with what Atiku Abubakar said on why he decamped from Peoples Democratic Party to All Progressive Party ''My decision may not satisfy some of my friends and associates. In the end, however, I have to put the interest of our country first. This country has done so much for me and it deserves all we can do to make our people better.''
Indeed, without fear of any contradiction, I emphatically maintain that if our nation wants to be great, and our democracy to survive, economically, socially, among others. The law that backs political decamping should be strengthened, and any barrier or punishment attached to it should be totally forbidden- exactly what we need for building a better nation.
I'd love to end with this statement from Dr Goodluck Jonathan(GCFR) [President of the Federal republic of Nigeria] ''let us forget our religious and ethnic diversities and focus on our nation's development no matter the cost.'' the cost may be decamping from a great party to a poor one.
Come off the bias today
Thanks for reading.


References
http://dailytrust.com
http://wikipedia.com/political-decamping
Oxford Advanced learners Dictionary 8th edition
http://www.nigerreporters.com/atiku-decamps-to-apc/&source=s&q=atiku+abubakar+decamp+to+apc+what+he+said&sa=X&ei=4yRXVaPxEKXP7gbXtIDIBg&ved=0CAcQFjAA.



[size=18pt]

WORD COUNT : 971[/size]

Name: Danjuma Joseph
School:Abu Zaria

DECAMPING OF POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDERS IS A REBRAND OF NATIONAL PROBLEM.

I weep for the liberty of my country when I see at this early days of its successful experiment, that corruption has been imputed to many members who are occupying political offices, and the right of the people have been bartered for unreasonable and bias promises for the office and this act is possible through decamping, defection, and cross carpeting which is simply defined as a process of moving from one party to another due to some political benefits.. It is rather unfortunate that since independence, Nigerians have been governed largely by a group of fickle minded, unprincipled, and unethical political leaders. Over time, citizens of this great country have prayed, revolted and are now learning to live with the travails of the effects of being ruled by clueless politicians who have used their power in government to fatten their pocket.


In my own way, I call decamping as political prostitution, and this act has brought about instability in the government of a given country. Individuals, who have forecasted about their defeat, decamp to another party, in order for them to have high chances of getting into power. When these people get into power through the latter party, they will eventually forget about their primary motive of coming into power and by so doing, their government will be simply what I call "father to child government." which makes every of the moves and action of the politicians to be dictated to them by their godfathers. This act destroys a nation so fast.


Furthermore, politicians who decamped from one party to another, do so, out of their own selfish interest and this has a means of bringing down the smooth running of a good government. Most citizens are left helpless simply because of the rampant act of decamping by our politicians. Having discerned the lack of honour among decamped politicians and also the lack of ideology in the political parties. The citizens being governed are left with no other options but to believe that politicians are out there to jeopardize the government.


Decamping causes enmity amongst politicians and also causes chaos amongst them. For example we noticed the unfathomable switch form LP to PDP exhibited by Gov. Olusegun Mimiko which caused lot of disagreement between him and his former party. He knew of the fact that he won the election of hid state twice and became the first man to win election twice in the state. and did not realize that people voted him into the office not because of the party but simply because of who he Is to them. Also this act occurred with Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Olusegun oni who decamped to APC and also Isiaka Adeleke who also decamped to APC.This has not been easy for them at all. Simply because the act has certainly brought about plenty disagreement between them and their former party. And also to the humble citizens that voted them into power. Loyalty and trust is lagging from the citizens because of this act.


Furthermore, politicians who decamped from one party to another are highly tempted to exhibit what I call nepotism and chauvinism. Simply because most of them don't give offices to well-deserved individuals rather they give it to those who are very close to them in order for them to embezzle and destabilize the economy of the nation. And this act brings about the incompetency of office holder. When the masses have observed and notice this act of incompetence amongst leaders, they will be forced to act carelessly and when this happens innocent lives might be taken away.

Hmmm! With the rate at which decamping is getting to in this country and the world at large. I am left with no other option but to say that if our government officials are in charge of Sahara desert, then in few years to come there will be no sand in the desert. On this note I am urging the citizens of this great nation to come together and be united in using their right and their power to vote for efficient and transformative leaders who can stand the test of time. Decamping is not good for a country that wants to retain unity and peace amongst citizens.
ONE LOVE, ONE PEACE, ONE NIGERIA



References:
free dictionary .com definition on politics and decamping

pulse politics forum website

The nation news on politics

wikipedia.org definition on decamping





[size=18pt]
WORD COUNT: 751

Representing OAU
MIRACY

DECAMPING OF POLITICAL OFFICE HOLDER :AN INDICATION OF A BETTER NATION OR A REBRAND OF NATIONAL PROBLEMS?

many change their  minds in politics, some change their minds to avoid changing their party, some change their party  to avoid changing their mind" - Winston Churchill

    In politics, it is believed that whoever aspires to hold a public office do so because he/she wants to improve the quality of life of his people. Isn't it better that they change their party than change their mind about serving the people? Therein lies the crux of my argument today...

Before delving further, it's pertinent to give honour to whom it's due. Good morning  sagacious chairman, ever articulate and impeccable panel of judges,distinguished and assiduous coordinators, ubiquitous supermods,erudite learned co-debaters and my ever well-grounded and amiable audience/viewers. I am Miracy,a representative of  Obafemi Awolowo University and I am lending credence to the motion that "Decamping of Political office holder is an indication of a better nation"
However, we cannot just dabble and delve into the main issue of decamping of political office holder . It is pertinent to define the term political decamping . After all, ‘the cart must come before the horse’.
Political decamping  is  generally referred  to  as  party  defection,  cross-  carpeting,  party-switching,  floor-crossing, etc. Political  party  defection  or  decamping  occurs  when  a political office holder embraces  a  different  political  or policy  perspective  that  is  incompatible  with  that  of  the  party he  or  she  represents .  Basically, he/she feels  dissatisfied  and  discontent  with  his  or  her former  party  from  where  he  or  she  decamps .The general  reason  that  underpins  floor-crossing  is  that  given  the  dynamic  nature  of  politics,  public representatives  should  be  allowed  to  change  their  political  viewpoints  to  align  them  with  what they  perceive  as  changing  political  circumstances.

Cross-carpeting  in  Nigeria  pre-dates  independence.  Therefore,  it  is  as  old  as  Nigerian  politics.  In 1951  the  first  celebrated  cross-carpeting  episode  occurred  in  Nigeria, the late chief Obafemi Awolowo was reputed to have engineered the cross-carpeting in the western region parliament . It was a means of fortifying Nigeria's developing political process and the nation building. Perhaps, it was in recognition of the tremendous experience that those who drafted the 1999 constitution of this 4th republic made defection legal and constitutional.

In advanced  democracy, cross  carpeting  is  done  on  principle,  rather  than  on  selfish  and  personal interest. However, in  the  1999  constitution  of  the  Federal  Republic  of  Nigeria,  especially in  section  68  1(a)  and  109(1).  Although  section  68  1(a)  states  “a member  of  the  Senate  or  the House  of  Representatives  shall  vacate  his  seat  in  the  House  of  which  he  is  a  member  if  being  a person  whose  election  to  the  House  was  sponsored  by  a  political  party,  he  becomes  a  member  of another  political  party  before  expiration  of  the  period  for  which  that  House  was  elected.  Provided that  his  membership  of  the  latter  political  party  is  not    as  a  result  of  a  division  in  the  political party  of  which  he  was  previously  a  member  or  of  a  merger  of  two  or  more  political  parties  or factions  by  one  of  which  he  was  previously  sponsored”. This  last  part  of  the  foregoing  section  provided  a rational  root  for  politicians  to  cross-carpet since  there  are  always  divisions  within  the  political  parties.  It  provided  the  platform  for  many legislators  and  governors  who  defected  to  justify  their  actions  on  the  grounds  of  divisions  or crisis  within  their  political parties.

One veritable instrument by which politicians give eloquent expression to this concept of permanent interests as against permanent friends is through cross-carpeting from one political platform to another whenever the individual‘s interest is threatened or appears no longer protected by the platform. Over the years, decamping from one political party to another is seen as a tool for expressing dissatisfaction at intra-party matters to escape from political oppression and persecution. For instance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other aggrieved members of the PDP defected from their original party to APC. They lamented that their defection was necessary because of injustice and lack of internal democracy in the PDP and so they had to switch their supports to the party where justice and recognition of party members is paramount. Atiku in a statement said that “the PDP has since lost touch with Nigerians and effort made by many well-meaning members and stakeholders to bring it back to the vision of the founders have been rebuffed... However, I am not invited to the meetings of those organs nor consulted on their decision. We have therefore, concluded that the party cannot be redeemed. In short, the PDP has abandoned Nigerians, the very people who gave it life and many electoral victorious... ".

Since  1999, when  the  Fourth  Republic  was  inaugurated,  political  parties  have faced  the  problem  of nondemocratic  practices. Whenever a party changes its position  on  major issues which is contrary to its members ideology, the members have a moral obligation to take a principled stand and demand  changes. If party refuses to change, a division exists in the party and anyone who so chooses can switch parties without vacating his/her seat. Decamping is right when you take into consideration that the parties have little or no defined ideology. If there was no right to freedom, legislators would have a binary moral choice to make.
It could be said that why join a party if eventually youre going to leave it for another. Politicians join a political party chiefly because they agree with its point of view and important issues. Any change in the major platform of political parties and division in the party is enough to cause significant unease among members. Decamping is seen as a solution to such upheaval  because political leaders are supposedly insightful and principled representatives deeply committed to their views.
Thanks.







Reference

squibguest..com/2009/11/history-and-law-of-political-carpet.html?m=1
http://www.peoplesdailyng.com/politics-of-merger-decamping-and-the-question-of-national-development/
http://thepointernewsonline.com/?p=28351
http://dailyindependentnig.com/2014/08/party-politics-spate-decamping/
http://ojeniyiayokunnu..com/2012/04/sin-1-politics-without-principle.html?m=1
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/merger-or-cross-carpeting-/165800/ www.gamji.com/article9000/NEWS9870.htm
https://www.academia.edu/8867981/CROSS_CARPETING_OR_POLITICAL_DEFECTIONS_HOW_BIG_A_DEAL_IS_IT_IN_SIERRA_LEONE

Concise Oxford English Dictionary

To the audience read and comment.



Thanks.



I

ON THE FIRST PRESENTER FROM OAU

I must commend your deft oratory skills and impressive diction. Though, there were a few errors, but not so fundamental. I do have my doubt as to whether or not the expression 'I SPEAK FOR THE TOPIC' is a right one. Like who speaks for a topic? I may be wrong anyway.

Also, the typographical error that turned 'understanding' to 'undersanding' need be watched. Steven R. Covey did say that 'a SMALL leak can sink a great ship. I once got knocked out by (0.5) in a debate and I know how it feels. Mind your tenses and the verb too. If the citizens EXPECT, not EXPECTS.

I also resent tautology or doubling of words with the same effect such as 'SO, THEREFORE'. Why not So,... or THEREFORE,...? 'It is being said' could also be 'it is said'. The 'being' in that sentence is a waste of space.


In conclusion, with your presentation, you reflected that OAU is no second class university in Nigeria. Kudos!

keep them coming..... more comment from audience.......

ON THE PRESENTER FROM ABU

Without a scintilla of doubt, I see your use of English as the best so far. I monitored your tenses carefully. But then, don't 'call decamping as political prostitution,' 'see decamping as political prostitution' or 'call it political prostitution'.

Also, mind the typographical error that shaped the destiny of 'his' to 'hid'. Do not limit the potential of your work by the use of acronym. How do you expect someone reading from India or Spain to know what LP or PDP is? Write in full. You are no local champion. You erred on the part of punctuation too e.g Also the people... It should be 'also, the people...'

Drop that habit of humming! You are not a bird. What is 'hmmmm' in a formal writing? I love the Sahara desert analogy. I give it to you dear.

Let me stop here for others to comment.

Debaters please exercise sound knowledge of the use of the English language. Some of these are unnecessary
1. In my own way, I call decamping as political prostitution,....the usage of 'as'. Just put it, I call decamping political prostitution.
2. But before I proceed, however it is absolutely imperative....the usage of 'however', 'but' and 'imperative'[d same principle that applies to the word 'crucial' applies here] . Better written as, before I proceed, it is imperative.
We're all learning!!!

Good write-ups! #Following

This is good

Is it by force we are not interested


You think undergraduates no get their own issues and usefulness


Think again

I trust our amiable judges are very much around.


Obinoscopy
Tgirl4real

*grabs the mic*


let me officially welcome you to the second edition of NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE.....


The first edition is now erstwhile yes it is , all plaudit, acclamation and adoration to God for the megahit of the first edition, and also to our personage Judges and audience..... and here we go with the SECOND CHAPTER OF this esteemed interschool online debate i hope you find it more poignant, savory, piquant and educative.... Relax and read enthralling, bedazzle and spellbind write up from our portentous, stupendous and astounding contestant ... it's our relish to welcome you to the SECOND edition of the NAIRALAND INTERSCHOOL DEBATE. For those who have not been following, you may go through the history here:
https://www.nairaland.com/1851738/nairaland-interschool-debate-2013-2014
*grabs popcorn with smoov*



*drops mic*

Who is representing my school?

In love, peace and harmony,
we shall build the tower,
Unilorin....hear the clarion call,
in unity we grow...
Committed to the seat of learning,
Our hearts of vanities......,
Standing firm in wisdom,
In knowledge and in truth,
We honour ur virtues,
Unilorin..
you stand in strength and pride,
Learning, winning, building, praying,
Showing the way for all who yearn,
Making a future for the ones who follow
Rising high...
we must never turn,
Ilorin, Unilorin, your touch has guided us,
Upwards and Onwards,
Ilorin, Unilorin..
Our Alma Mater,
We sing!

I REP BETTER BY FAR!!!

free2ryhme:
Is it by force we are not interested


You think undergraduates no get their own issues and usefulness


Think again

i dont extrapolate this sir

WE ARE WAITING FOR THE BEST SPEAKER...

...following


I see everyone is going grammatical . Well, the topic itself needs some debate , corrections and comments .

Decamping of Political office holder: an
indication of a better nation or a rebrand of
national problems?

Is "rebrand" appropriate in that sentence or would "rebranding" have been a better substitute ?
Intelligent and unbiased comments are welcome .

Then should it be 'Decamping of Political office holder " . It seems there's a wrong capitalisation and absence of pluralisation . let me laugh ..hahaha
shout out to all oau fresher's .......finally, we smile tomorrow !
*modified*
To the topic : Sobaloju is the best of the speakers . Miracy seemed to lose touch with the topic at some instances ...oooh . Danjuma comes a close second .
I need to ask , are nairaland judges repelled by introductions before greetings like other judges are ?

Besides who else noticed our plagiarists , Sobqloju and Miracy . Both copied this phrase from the same source I assume : "One veritable instrument by which
politicians give eloquent expression, of this
concept of parmanet rights as against
parmanent friends is " " Judges please take note !

Fully on ground

Waiting

whats your say on the topic.......


Decamping of Political office holder: an indication of a better nation or a rebrand of national problems?.[size=18pt] ?[/size]



let read from you sir/ma...

TEAM #GREAT IFE

GREATEST IFE

GREAT IFE, GREAT IFE, AFRICANS MOST BEAUTIFUL CAMPUS, CONSCIOUS VIGILANT PROGRESSIVE ALUTA AGAINST ALL OPPRESSION.......

solelymade:
Debaters please exercise sound knowledge of the use of the English language. Some of these are unnecessary
1. In my own way, I call decamping as political prostitution,....the usage of 'as'. Just put it, I call decamping political prostitution.
2. But before I proceed, however it is absolutely imperative....the usage of 'however', 'but' and 'imperative'[d same principle that applies to the word 'crucial' applies here] . Better written as, before I proceed, it is imperative.
We're all learning!!!

Lol

I lost a rib laughing

How you gonna pay for my rib now?

ABUSITE!

Okay!







#following

Hidentity:
ON THE PRESENTER FROM ABU

Without a scintilla of doubt, I see your use of English as the best so far. I monitored your tenses carefully. But then, don't 'call decamping as political prostitution,' 'see decamping as political prostitution' or 'call it political prostitution'.

Also, mind the typographical error that shaped the destiny of 'his' to 'hid'. Do not limit the potential of your work by the use of acronym. How do you expect someone reading from India or Spain to know what LP or PDP is? Write in full. You are no local champion. You erred on the part of punctuation too e.g Also the people... It should be 'also, the people...'

Drop that habit of humming! You are not a bird. What is 'hmmmm' in a formal writing? I love the Sahara desert analogy. I give it to you dear.

Let me stop here for others to comment.

seems we were headed the same way... You spoke my mind