The Coalition of Pro-democracy Groups in Nigeria has raised alarm over recent happenings in the country as well as rallied support for the President of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki.
The group made this known on Sunday while addressing a world press conference in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Prince Abiodun Bashorun, Chairman and Comrade Ochiaga Jude, Secretary said the nation’s democratic experiment is on the blink of collapse.
Their full statement in full below:
“For nearly two decades, we have co-existed to agitate, defend and embark on collective actions that promotes democratic principles and further entrench Nigeria’s Democracy.
“Recently, the coalition met at an expanded session in Lagos to appraise the state of the nation ahead of the looming sceptre of uncertainties hovering over next year general elections, among other key issues.
“The Coalition fears that if urgent steps are not taken by conscientious, patriotic Nigerian democrats, the elections may be highly compromised by the incumbent administration, whose entire body languages, now suggest desperation often associated with the end of unpopular regimes.
“As stakeholders in the Nigerian democracy, we are apprehensive that there is a grand design by some the incumbent administration of President Buhari, to halt a peaceful elections, judging by its refusal to give the needed support, to preparations by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other institutions, that can guarantee a free and fair election come 2019.
“The Multilateral Session of our coalition, therefore wish to alert Nigerians and the international community of the following critical points threatening the successful conduct of a free and fair general elections next year.
“The refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the recently amended Electoral Act.
“The coalition call on President Muhammadu Buhari to Shun the counsel of political jobbers and immediately sign into law as amended, the Electoral act, if indeed he wants to stamp his mark on the country’s history as a true patriot and democrat. Failing which, the National Assembly is hereby called upon to override the President’s veto and proceed to pass the amended Electoral Act into law.
“The increasing rate of insecurity in the country with resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and killings in Plateau, Bauchi, Taraba and other States as well as the herdsmen carnages which has practically rendered States like Benue and Plateau as failed institutions calls for serious concern.
The Coalition asserts, that the Presidency and the Federal Government are liable for these incidences as virtually all the heads of security apparatus in the country are hand-picked from a section of the country and are seemingly shielding perpetrators of these heinous crimes against humanity.
“The Coalition hereby demand the immediate re-structuring of the country; its federating units, fiscal structure, autonomy of grass-root governance as well as the constitutional grundnorm to make it possible for governments at all tiers to be held responsible for implementing the provisions of the Fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The Coalition believes that most of those parading themselves as aspirants for next year’s Presidential elections are incompetent and may be unable to take up the responsibilities of rescuing our country from the present state of hopelessness.
“Thus, it is the coalition’s resolve that by October 1st 2018, it shall launch a nation-wide campaign for a new generation of genuine democrats to take over the rein of power in the general elections next year and steer the affairs of the country.
“The wishes to specifically praise members of the National Assembly under the chairmanship of Distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki for conducting its affairs as true democrats, and consistently upholding the sanctity of our Democracy.
“We hereby wish to pass a vote of confidence Senator Bukola Saraki’s leadership of the National Assembly, being main under-belly of our democratic governance, as it is the only arm of government that is usually atomised whenever there is an uprising of anti-democratic forces.
“There is no doubt, that the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki as epitomised the rising of a new generation of Democrats who can manage the affairs of Government, and take Nigeria to the next level.
“It is on this note, that the Coalition, wishes to make a very humble appeal, to leaders and members of the main opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to unanimously elect Senator Bukola Saraki as its flag bearer for the 2019 Presidential election. We need to rescue Nigeria and Senator Saraki remains one candidate, with requisite experience, capacity and determination, to set Nigerians free, from the bondage of bad leadership, that has been imposed on Nigeria, since 2015.
“Finally, we wish to call on Nigerians to be eternally vigilant, work and demand for a seamless transition of power next year without any degeneration into violence, bloodletting and political chaos.”
Credit: Olufemi Lawson Akindele
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