By Georgina George
Former presidential adviser, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces a threat deeper than any single act of violence, saying the country’s ability to hold together is at stake.
In a statement on Friday, the former presidential aide drew historical parrarel from the incidents that led to the collapse of the First and Second Republic, pointed out that the rising violence signals “a symptom of a deeper crisis,” which demands an immediate response.
“The disputed elections of 1983 brought bloodshed again, and by December the Second Republic was gone. Each crisis had its own causes, but both showed how vulnerable civilian government becomes when citizens lose faith in the means of correcting its abuses.”
He said, while ethnic suspicion is increasingly being put to political use, the public confidence in the institutions meant to settle disputes peacefully are increasingly eroding.
“Our responsibility is to preserve a country in which we can lose an election and still belong, win an election and still answer to the law, and disagree with our neighbours without fearing one another. That work cannot wait until after the votes are counted. It must begin now.”
He further emphasised the right of citizens to demand a change of government, saying: “A citizen has every right to call for a president to be voted out. Every party has an equal right to campaign peacefully. A democracy depends on our willingness to defend both rights at once.”
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that all candidates are given equal opportunities to freely campaign across the country, insisting that candidates must also state clearly what it has in stock for the electorates.
“I call on patriots in every part of Nigeria to organise now, peacefully and across party lines. Let labour unions, professional bodies, traditional and religious leaders, student organisations, journalists and civic groups convene public forums and demand clear commitments from those who seek power. Insist on a fair contest, equal protection for every lawful campaign, freedom for the press to cover it and timely resolution of electoral disputes. Ask candidates how they intend to govern people who did not vote for them. And when someone on your own side turns a fellow Nigerian’s ancestry into a reason to fear or despise them, challenge it there and then.”
