Prominent Nigerians, including former Governor Ihedioha’s birthday attendees, expressed concerns about the decline of democracy in Nigeria at a colloquium led by Olusegun Obasanjo. Key figures, including Matthew Kukah, Peter Obi, and Emeka Anyaoku, discussed the challenges and proposed reforms for Nigeria’s political framework. Opinions diverged on the state of democracy, highlighting the need for constitutional review and collaborative governance to enhance democratic practices.
On Monday, several prominent Nigerians, including former governors and public officials, raised concerns regarding Nigeria’s declining democratic standards at a colloquium in Abuja commemorating Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday. The event, chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, featured notable figures such as Emeka Anyaoku, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, who all contributed to the discourse on democracy’s current state in Nigeria.
In his keynote address, Bishop Matthew Kukah criticized the exclusivity of democracy in Nigeria, suggesting it primarily benefits a limited few. He argued for a reevaluation of the Nigerian Constitution, which has placed undue pressure on the judiciary. Kukah emphasized the need for comprehensive reform within Nigeria’s democratic framework to foster true justice for all citizens.
Bishop Kukah suggested that political leaders could learn from the complex relationship between Obasanjo and Atiku, which illustrates a deepened democratic process. He metaphorically described it as a durable bond akin to a Catholic marriage, emphasizing that democracy is interwoven with justice and cannot thrive under a system marred by divisions or inequities.
Contrasting Kukah’s views, Peter Obi asserted that the assertion of democracy being a “work in progress” was flawed. He provided historical context, noting that previous leaders attempted to enhance the nation’s democratic foundations, but current circumstances reflect a significant regression, stating, “Nothing works. I am somebody who can say this exemplarily…democracy has failed.”
Obi recounted his own impeachment experience, highlighting a time when interventions were made to prevent his ousting from office, contrasting it with the current political climate where such interventions appear nonexistent, demonstrating a substantive degradation of democratic practices.
Former President Obasanjo remarked that Africa’s current democracy is merely representational, deviating from Lincoln’s ideal. He called for a reinvention of democracy in Africa to align with cultural values and governance practices that cater to all citizens equitably, emphasizing that the continent’s political structure inherently fails to deliver true justice.
Atiku Abubakar reflected on the sacrifices many leaders made for democracy, while commending Ihedioha’s loyalty amid political differences. He reaffirmed the importance of maintaining inter-party relationships despite divergent political affiliations, thus enriching democratic practice.
Aminu Tambuwal emphasized the necessity for collective responsibility in preserving democracy, lamenting the National Assembly’s unconstitutional actions under the current administration. His advocacy for proper adherence to democratic principles rests on collaborative governance aimed at rectifying ongoing political missteps.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku called for a revision of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution to tackle systemic issues affecting governance. He highlighted the need for true federalism as a solution to national challenges and emphasized the importance of Africa crafting its narrative towards achieving stable democratic governance.
Conversely, House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas maintained that despite substantial challenges, Nigeria’s democracy is steadily evolving and solidifying. He expressed optimism about the journey towards effective governance, underscoring periodic elections as foundational to democracy’s essence and its inherent opportunities for development in Nigeria.
The colloquium held in Abuja brought together key political figures who collectively articulated concerns regarding the deterioration of democracy in Nigeria. While perspectives varied on whether democracy is failing or evolving, a consensus emerged on the urgent need for systemic reforms. Calls for constitutional changes and the need for collective political responsibility were central themes, reinforcing the importance of a democracy that is inclusive and effective for all citizens. The discourse underscored the necessity for a renewed commitment to ensuring justice and equity within the political framework.
Original Source: punchng.com
