Posted by By GEOFFREY ANYANWU, Awka on
The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has warned against the tendency of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to kill the opposition, saying that such action would destroy democracy.
The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) has warned against the tendency of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to kill the opposition, saying that such action would destroy democracy.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ben Onyechere, the PPA said in the bid to ensure a one-party state in Nigeria, the PDP wants to take over the 36 states by all means.
The party said opposition deepens democracy and therefore must thrive, adding that the PPA has done well in the little time it has been in government.
The statement said: "The achievement of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in the last election, ranging from its successes in two states and the huge votes polled in the presidential election automatically catapulted it to the third largest party in the country.
This feat can be considered as a demonstrable expression of an assertive opposition meant to fill the electoral lacuna created by the ineffectual disdain, which is inflicted on the psyche of the people and South-East in particular. This extent of progress, if measured over the period of time the party was formed, can, therefore, be projected that the party holds formidable prospects for the deprived and relegated masses of this country.
"This polity, which is infected with the gloom and nightmare of a one-party nation, as prescribed by the National Chairman of PDP will have a lot to benefit from the seriousness of the PPA leadership. The call for one-party state is negative as it draws down on Nigerians' political score card since the development of any polity is measured by the freedom of opposition to exist without hindrance. There is the tendency of a bandwagon effect if the assertion of the national chairman of PDP is enforced in the polity. The blackmail of a one party nation, which we are meant to believe has been conceived by the ruling party, as expressed by its national chairman, will bring us to the situation in Zimbabwe and then Kenya.
"The Ogbulafor postulation is an expose of what has already been planned behind the curtain to the extent that PDP is having an upper hand with its plan B of wining its governorship appeals in addition to wining in the re-runs.
'The conspiratorial substance of this plan B is unquestionably the bone of contention and cause for worry to every Nigerian. It is also alleged that Ogbulafor is boasting that he will make sure that the appeal court handling the governorship matter of Abia will rule in favour of PDP, since, according to him, the judges are appointed by the Federal Government where he strongly holds sway."
"This arouses a high tension curiosity because judging from the string of unpalatable victories recorded by PDP recently we have cause to raise alarm that this man may actually influence the judiciary as he has threatened to do. If put more succinctly the plan to eradicate voiceable opposition has been hatched.
"The birth of PPA and the huge followership it controls is food for thought to those who desire to erode the voices of opposition. The political growth of any nation is measured by the existence of parties, which provide the opportunity for choice to the electorate. Inherently, there is an imminent danger of explosion if the electorate is being forcefully compacted to one party. The economy, which is being hijacked and dispensed inequitably, is the strong hold of power, because therein lies the strength with which the electorate are cajoled. The people in any polity are entitled to their choice of leaders if we must be seen to be developing a pragmatic electoral system. If the plan B works it will be five percent of the population against an unwilling ninety five percent.
"A party that has been at helm of affairs for nine years without any good intention for its people is looking for trouble. Yar'Adua deserves to be given a chance to prove his mettle, but I am afraid he is part and parcel of this conspiracy to make Nigeria a one party state. Without any sense of exaggeration Abia State is the heartbeat of PPA, a claim that is verifiable and manifestly visible. The reason Yoruba were supported to produce a President of Nigeria is traceable in the evolutionary roles of the members of AD in addition to the annulment of M. K. O. Abiola's victory. Even in the event that PPA is not allowed to win the presidential election in future the party's vision should not be extinguished by the formidable and erosive federal might.
"The performance of PPA is a testimony, which will stand the test of time. The participation and contributions of the National Assembly members of PPA is distinct and in the arena of public judgment. I can reliably assert that the prevalent post-Obasanjo democratization of this polity frantically needs the experience and background of a man like T.A. Orji, whose activities are laced in seminarian disposition and characterization. My judgment of this man spans from the period he was chief of staff to his present position as the Governor of Abia. He is a man whose every word is a healing balm, can naturally be trusted. But this his disposition of utmost sincerity is not without problem because he is not given to sociable extravaganza, as he believes in reward based on merit."