LAGOS—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, raised alarm that there were remorseless anti-democratic forces operating under the cover of political parties to truncate the hard-won democratic liberty in the country.
President Jonathan noted that the anti-democratic forces were exploiting lapses in the management of the nation’s political and electoral processes to derail the 2015 general elections.
He raised the alarm at the All Nigeria Political Parties and Political Stakeholders Summit, Abuja, one of the series of events held, yesterday, across the country in commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential polls presumably won by late business magnate, Chief MKO Abiola.
President Jonathan spoke on a day a host of governors and eminent Nigerians, including delegates to the National Conference, honoured Abiola and stressed the need to deepen democracy in the country by making votes at elections count.
This came as Abiola’s daughter, Hafsat, said June 12 had gone beyond her father and is now an avenue for people to demand good governance.
Eminent Nigerians, who spoke on June 12 included Governors Adams Oshiomhole (Edo), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Raji Fashola (Lagos); Generals Abdulsalami Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari; Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), Chiefs E.K. Clark, Ayo Adebanjo, Olu Falae and Mike Ozekhome (SAN); Professors Itse Sagay (SAN) and Attahiru Jega.
President Jonathan expressed worry that some politicians make unguarded utterances in a bid to capture power and after they fail to grab power because of what they had said, their followers capitalize on that and cause mayhem.
His words: “There are still very remorseless anti-democratic forces operating in the political system, ever ready to exploit lapses in the management of our political and electoral processes. Some of these forces may indeed during the forth-coming elections, through their lifestyle, truncate the nation’s hard-won democratic liberty.
“But dear compatriots, with respect to the 2015 elections in particular and our journey as a nation in general, we must never allow these negative forces to prevail. The onset of the Fourth Republic, the institutionalization of the inter-party mechanism was domiciled in the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs.
Concept of inter-party relations
“The concept of inter-party relations and collaboration presupposes that even though political parties may differ in ideology, process and structure of governance, they must remain united in the common objective of preserving and consolidating the nation’s unity and its democratic foundation.
“Political parties must relate with one another and conduct themselves with responsibility and statesmanship, focus on positive inputs into governance whether they are in power at present or not.
“Inter-party relations and collaborations make it incumbent on the party in power to govern in recognition of beneficial voices and views of political parties and vice versa for the parties out of government to proffer issue-based engagement towards improved performance in governance and service delivery to the people.
“This is only possible through rancour-free relationships amongst political parties in their conducts, acts and utterances. Nigeria’s political history since independence is replete with examples of viable collaborations among political parties in and out of government. In the First Republic, the ruling Northern Peoples Congress, NPC had an alliance with the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, NCNC, which allowed the leader of the latter, the late Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe to become the President of Nigeria.
“In the Second Republic, a unique alliance between the ruling National Party of Nigeria, NPN and the Nigerian Peoples Party, NPP, made it possible for the NPP, which did not have a majority in the House to produce the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“At the commencement of the Fourth Republic, on the invitation by the ruling PDP, members of the opposition parties were appointed ministers and special advisers to the President and other positions in the government. Indeed, the first Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, the late Senator Mahmud Waziri, was the founding chairman of the then opposition All Peoples Party, APP, later All Nigeria’s Peoples Party, ANPP.
“In furtherance of this role, the Inter-Party office has continued to promote cordial and positive relationship among all political parties, which culminated in the establishment of an inter-party advisory council, IPAC, a structure recognized by INEC. Consequently, in 2011, all political parties agreed and committed themselves to a code of conduct for political behaviour.
“Article 7 of the code states that: “No political party or candidate shall during campaign, resort to the use of inflammatory language, provocative actions, images or manifestation that incite violence, hatred, contempt or intimidation against another party or candidate, or any person or group of persons on grounds of ethnicity, gender or for any other reason. Accordingly, no political party or candidate shall issue any poster pamphlet, leaflet or any other publication that contains any such incitement.
Unguarded utterances
“However, dear compatriots, the current national political outlook with regard to inter-party collaboration is less than salutary. Indeed, the conduct and utterances of leading politicians at home and abroad are rapidly creating and spreading unnecessary tension in the country. Such unguarded utterances on their part fester the embers of discord, bitterness and rancour. Such unfortunate development plays into the hands of extremist elements waging a vicious campaign of terror against the state.
“The recent mindless bombings and killings of innocent Nigerians in the FCT, Jos in Plateau State, the killings in Adamawa State, including that of the traditional rulers as well as the heartless criminal abduction of over 200 school girls from Chibok, are better addressed by a political class united in its commitment to defend the polity irrespective of political differences. We must never politicize the fundamentals and core imperatives of defending the state as to do so can only embolden the terrorists and other enemies of our republic who will seek to employ any perceived political and social division for their nefarious ends.
“We must never give them such opportunity. Our political parties must remain positive and constructive in their engagements as we seek to build virile and stable nation that can compete with other states in the world. This summit today (yesterday), by all political parties in Nigeria therefore offers the opportunities for political parties and indeed politicians to reflect and review the possible consequences of their actions.”
President Jonathan urged Nigerians to first build a nation before engaging on arguments on how best to run it, stressing that the system was not yet so shock-proof to withstand all unguarded and careless political statements and actions.
Mutual mistrust among parties, our biggest challenge –Abubakar
Chairman of the summit and former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) explained that one of the greatest challenges facing the country was the mutual mistrust and suspicion among the political parties.
General Abubakar said that opposition parties in a democratic setting is meant to check the excesses of the ruling party and when issues of security challenge crop up, different political parties come together to confront it.
He advised spokesmen of different parties to be sensitive to the security concerns of the country and remarked that many political parties had faced crises as a result of imposition of candidates and lack of internal democracy.
He also advised Nigerians to device means of holding the political class accountable for its actions and inactions and appealed that the democratic process should eschew bitterness and rancour.
June 12 represents our democratic frustrations –Jega
Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, noted that June 12 represents the frustration of Nigerians in their journey to democracy as it affected the nation’s political and national development.
He said that the lesson to learn from June 12 was the need to keep striving at deepening democracy and to sustain the gains in a bid to reverse authoritarianism, adding that political parties have responsibilities in that regard.
He frowned at the high level of cross-carpeting in the country, warning that the commission would come tough on the issue of cross-carpeting and make sure that any elected officer that abandons the political platform that gave him victory would be made to vacate the seat.
Politicians without electoral values behind violence—Oshiomhole
Speaking in an interview, Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said that most of the political crises in the country were caused by people that do not have political value.
“We have a huge political platform which is the Nigerian platform. The whole essence of political contestation is about how to fix the country, creating prosperity and ensuring that the welfare of Nigeria is the primary purpose of political engagement and contestation.
“Now, there is no question that too often, our language in politics has been violent. Our language often suggests we have taken the electorate for granted. And even elders in this business sometimes use language that suggests they are childish and the truth of the matter is that, if we do not get the politics right, we are not going to enjoy the fruits of sustainable growth and economic development.
“Even worse is the issue of criminality, when people get so desperate and resort to tactics that often cause loss of lives; when politicians who have no electoral values resort to arming young people to go and fight and replace the ballot with bullets and rather than counting the number of votes, you are counting the dead bodies.”
We must not act above the law – Buhari
General Muhammadu Buhari had earlier declined to speak on behalf of the All Progressives Congress, APC, because the letter and programme suggested that it was the party chairman that would speak for the party. He, however, spoke as former Head of State and said that in democracy, people should learn how to respect the constitution and do things that would not suggest that they are above the law.
He also advised that law enforcement agencies should be neutral and not act as agents of government, especially during elections.
The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu said that the security situation in the country was not only a challenge to the ruling party but also to all political parties.
He regretted that the ‘#Bring back our girls” campaign was turned to opposition organ against the Federal Government when indeed it should be a concern for all Nigerians to ensure that the abducted girls were released.
June 12 no longer about MKO— Hafsat-Abiola
Elsewhere, Hafsat Abiola-Costello, Abiola’s daughter said that June 12 was no longer about Chief MKO Abiola. She said that it was now bigger than Abiola. She also noted that June 12 anniversary was no longer about the annulment of the election but an avenue to demand good governance from the leadership class. She said this, yesterday, at a symposium organised at the Ikeja residence of Abiola, titled: “June 12 and the National Conference, The Way Forward.”
Her words: “I am very grateful that Nigerians did not forget my dad from the very first day. It is a very sober day for us in our family. It is a day that we reflect on the losses. It is a sad day. We are very far from the Nigeria of our dream. We need to do more so that we can get to where we want to be. It is no longer about MKO, it is about the need for the government to provide welfare, security and perform the basic functions of government. That is what June 12 stands for.
“I am grateful to Pa Anthony Enahoro, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and to all who have always stood for my family. This is not just about MKO Abiola or his family. It is bigger than his family. It is about 170 million Nigerians. It is about the desire of Nigerians for a country that works. Even if my father was serving from prison, it was actually an honour for him to have done that. We hope and pray that more leaders who care about Nigeria can do what they need to do. We want leaders especially at the national level to do what they need to do to address terrorism, reduce unemployment and unite Nigerians. MKO showed us that we could be united and stand together.”
We can repeat June 12 in 2015 –Falae
Speaking at another forum organised by the Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, a former presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, noted that the country could have a free and fair election in 2015, if the processes that made June 12 free and fair were embraced. Falae who was the chairman of the forum titled: June 12: A solution Model For 2015, noted that despite the annulment, the election presented the best electioneering model. Similarly, National Co-ordinator of OPC, Otunba Gani Adams, said, “perhaps the major lesson of the June 12 election is that Nigerians can overlook some factors bedeviling the polity today. Prior to that election nobody believed it was possible for Abiola, a southerner to defeat his opponent, a northerner. June 12 proved that it is possible for Nigerians to see beyond religious affiliation in political and electoral decisions.”
Delegates honour Abiola, Kudirat, others
Delegates at the National Conference were also not left out of the June 12 fever, yesterday. For 60 seconds, delegates were on their feet to remember Chief Abiola following a motion by Orok Otu Duke under matters of urgent public importance.
Prior to the decision of the delegates to honour Chief Abiola, there was however a rowdy session following sharp disagreements between southern and northern delegates, just as the arguments had regional and ethnic colouration.
While Orok Otu Duke spearheaded the position of the South, a northern delegate from Kano State on the platform of Civil Society Organisations, Mallam Naseer Kura opposed the motion.
Duke’s motion which nearly put a halt to the plenary, sought some prayers including that delegates should pay tribute to all those who fell for the cause of Nigeria’s democracy spearheaded by late M.K.O Abiola; that the Conference should cause the authorities to always remember June 12 as a watershed in the history of Nigeria and that a monument which must be in consonance with what the conference had proposed for other heroes and heroines should be accorded Chief Abiola.
Heated arguments trailed the proposal. When peace was finally restored, Justice Kutigi called for a minute silence for Chief Abiola and others and it was observed by the delegates in honour of all those who died because of the June 12, 1993 elections.
Clark, Adebanjo, Ozekhome speak
A Federal Government delegate, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, submitted that June 12 was a critical national issue deserving of mention by the delegates, adding, “many people paid the supreme price to attain the democracy we are having today but which some people, unfortunately, are messing up. We should not trivialize June 12 and make it look like it is something that is not important.”
In his contribution, former Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South Leader, Chief Edwin Clark threw his weight behind the recognition of June 12 as a memorable day in the country’s history, saying that rather than the present structure of setting aside May 29 as Democracy Day, the country should celebrate Democracy Day every June 12.
Also supporting the motion, a delegate on the platform of the Elder statesmen category, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, who tongue-lashed some delegates, who opposed the motion, said: “It is unfortunate that even members of this assembly, particularly those of us who were victims of Abacha, regard June 12 1993 as a mere issue. I think the delegate who raised this motion should be praised rather than vilified. Without June 12, there will be no May 29. June 12 is the basis of our freedom and democracy and we should remember the day for what it is worth.”
Abiola’s death in vain without good governance — Gov Ahmed
Kwara State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed stated that Abiola’s death would be in vain if Nigerians refused to demand for good governance and stand for the sanctity of their votes at the forthcoming 2015 elections.
He also said the highest lesson to be learnt from Abiola’s death, as a people, is by seeking visionary leadership that truly represents the desires and aspirations of the masses.
He spoke at a public lecture to mark the 21st anniversary of June 12, 1993 Presidential polls organised by the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists with the theme: “June 12: Lessons for today’s democracy.”
His words: “The situation that confronts us today calls for sober reflection as we live in a society where you become a leader not because you are imbued with right measures of leadership skills, understand the challenges facing our country and the concrete pathways to their solution but because you come from a certain region of the country or profess a particular religion.
“The June 12 has become guide to where we are coming from, how we got where we are, where we are going and what we need to get there. It is therefore paramount for everyone to take a look at June 12, 1993 and recall how it felt when 21years ago, the nation received the shocking annulment of what is generally accepted as the freest and fairest election in our political history.
“In view of the pivotal place of June 12 elections in our political history, the lessons therefore are expedient that the event is duly acknowledged as a day when Nigerians eschewed primordial and divisive sentiments to vote for a secured future.
“Therefore while May 29 was the actual day democracy was enthroned as a result of persistent and sustained agitation from June 12 crises, the actual election represents the Nigerian people’s revolution because June 12 was to Hausa what it was for the Igbo, Yoruba, Nupe or Ijaw. It soared above religion, tribe, social status or personal ambition.”
– See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/06/forces-truncate-democracy-jonathan/#sthash.KAj4Mb7l.dpuf
