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Author: KAYODE OLADELE
Posted to the web: 1/17/2006 1:35:39 AM

In recent times, Nigeria has been overwhelmed with yet another self succession bid by President Obasanjo and the Peoples’ Democratic Party’s (PDP) through the introduction of an ominous amendment to our constitution which would extend the term of office of the president from two terms of four years each to three. This will also trigger a similar extension for the state governors majority of whom are under the control of the ruling PDP. The reference to this political manipulation by the Senate Committee that reviewed the constitution in its recent report to the Senate not only confirms the speculation regarding this infamous attempt at creating a political tyranny, it also represents a misguided effort to undercut the checks and balances that the National Assembly provides in our system of government. The promise of democracy is not just fulfilled by keeping the military out of political governance; the promise of democracy requires protection of people’s rights and freedom. A true democracy is one that promotes the wishes and aspirations of the people, one that promotes governing through consensus and conciliation as opposed to ruling unilaterally and one that ensures that the will of the few can not trample the majority.  I would add that protection of the people’s right to change their leader or representatives   remains an important pillar of democracy. A third term bid is in direct contradiction to maintaining those values and those components of our democracy

             Members of the Senate Committee who made the recommendations themselves know that such a proposal is both morally and legally wrong-wrong in terms of protecting the rights of the Nigerian people, wrong in terms of undercutting our fundamental system of checks and balances, and wrong in destroying the political pluralism in our country in favor of a one-party rule and promoting civilian dictatorship. I believe that many of our law makers know in their hearts that amending our Constitution to prescribe three-terms of office for the president and state executives is a wrong way to go.  It is my conviction that majority of the National Assembly members will put the Nation first, the Constitution first, and the Nigerian people first, and withstand the momentary political pressures when they debate this issue on the floor of the House.

 The National Assembly must uphold that which is necessary to constitute a true democracy in the Country by refusing to cave in to political influences to undermine the rights of the Nigerian people. A true Democracy must be a reflection of our values, our norms and our tradition but a democracy that has no regard for the rule of law and protection of people’s rights and a viable political opposition is a twin sister of military dictatorship. And like in other democracies, our democracy must rely on the sharing of power, on checks and balances and on the protection of minority and peoples’ rights, and on safeguarding and protecting human dignity. A three-term presidency will neither promote a true democracy nor safeguard our dignity as a nation. Hence, we must strive to uphold our democracy and prevent President Obasanjo from destroying it for short-term political gains.   It would be terrible diminutions of our rights to allow him succeed in his present political charade and simulation of military dictatorship.

             It is ironic given that President Olusegun Obasanjo who only escaped death in the hands of a military dictator and who by absolute providence became the foremost beneficiary of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement that rooted out military dictatorship in Nigeria is now the one spear-heading effort to promote political tyranny by consolidating power in a single political party and institution. He promised heaven but he wants to deliver hell.  This is unacceptable, utterly condemnable and constitutes a betrayal of trust and confidence reposed on him by the people of Nigeria. Above all, it makes all his efforts at promoting Nigerian image abroad ring hollow.  However, this is not his fault - the over centralization of state power in the presidency at the expense of other institutions encourages sit-tight leadership and is clearly very wrong. No doubt, our democracy is undercut by the concentration of power in the executive thus reducing the impact of checks and balances and making the legislative branch a pawn in the political chess game.

If you take away the right of our people to freely elect and change their leaders, then our whole democracy and constitutional fabric will unravel. The promise of democracy, assertive civil society, political empowerment and emancipation of the people will become a sham. There is nothing intrinsic about our culture that inhibits democratic governance, but for us to have a true democracy and promote respect for our lives, we must resist civilian tyranny. A third term bid is inimical to our progress and a challenge to our democracy. We have come far from the days of political inactivity, despair and dictatorship. Our energy has been preserved, our courage and confidence have been restored; therefore, together as one people, we will work to build pressure against any policy that will force democracy to take another holiday in Nigeria.