Leadership (Abuja)
Shuaib Shuaib
9 May 2008
Prominent stakeholders in the Nigeria project have raised alarm over secret but deliberate plans by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to turn the country into a one-party state.
Under the umbrella of Abuja Discussion Forum, the prominent Nigerians fear that "the treads in the political space are pointing toward a one-party state, the consequence of which is better imagined.
"It was a welcome development when at the take-off of the current administration, the President promised a comprehensive political reform. He followed it by setting up a reform committee populated by credible Nigerians headed by a former Chief Justice of the federation.
"Presumably, the committee has commenced work, which includes suggesting ways and means of reinforcing the democratic institutions and making the process both credible and sustainable," the Forum in a statement signed by it chairman, Mr. M. M. Abdul stated.
"The re-elections and by- elections that have been conducted since the inauguration of the committee and utterances by key political actors, most prominent being the PDP national chairman has generated anxiety and cast doubt in the minds of Nigerians in the sincerity of government in instituting these reforms.
"There is no problem for a party to plan to rule for 60 years or anytime for that matter as long as it is duly elected into power, but there is a problem if the process of delivering leadership is subverted for the benefit of a particular political party".
To avert any political implosion, the Forum makes some recommendations to President Yar'Adua:
• Ensure the survival of vibrant opposition at all levels for the sustenance of positive debates, provide checks and balances in the nation polity and allow the citizens develop potent views, tendencies and choices on issues that affect their livelihoods all the time;
• Ensure an independent legislature at all tiers of government;
• Ensure an independent and credible judiciary;
Ensure neutral, independent and capable electoral umpire at the national and states level;
Encourage internal democracy within the political parties.
"A situation where the opposition is subdued or altogether eliminated only creates internal dissension, vicious intra-party squabbles and put power in the hands of a clique which normally develops into a power cult who may not necessarily have the interest of the nation at heart", it added saying that, "it will also encourage the emergence of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that are often foreign-funded with no likely allegiance to our sovereign interest, as the mouth piece of the opposition elements".
"We urge the president to do everything in his powers to ensure the survival of multi-party democracy. We say no to one-party state, the president must act now".
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This is a good observation!!!! Why will a child of the founding members of the PDP be raising alarms at www.businessjeeves.com and yet, no one will be paying attention??