• Says Nigerians must avert looming anarchy
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has raised fresh concerns over the ongoing political crisis between the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), warning that poor handling of the situation could lead to serious national consequences.
The National President, Prof. Hassan Saliu, in a statement, expressed concern over the strained relationship between INEC and ADC and warned that ongoing political feud between the two organisations has potential to derail the transition process by contributing to voters’ apathy and sowing the seeds of a post-election crisis.
NPSA called on Nigerians to show more interest in the matter to ensure the crisis does not reverse Nigeria’s democratic gains.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians to show greater interest in the matter, as it is capable of bringing lawlessness closer home and, arguably, reversing the gains of democratic practice in Nigeria so far. Nothing benefits the two sides in their recalcitrant posture, especially INEC: its primary concern should be inclusiveness, not withdrawal from the transition programme or flagrant disobedience of the law.”
NPSA has therefore recommended a political solution to resolve the logjam with INEC and ADC meeting to iron out the differences.
It also advocated that INEC approach the Court of Appeal for an interpretation of the Judgment, and that litigants return to the lower court where the suit originated.
NPSA further called on well-respected, influential Nigerians to intervene and resolve the crisis, and also implored disputants within the ADC’s ranks to meet and reach a consensus among themselves, and decongest the courts.
It, however, warned against moves to externalise the crisis as being suggested in some quarters, stressing that such moves would affect Nigeria’s image.
NPSA admonished the ruling All Progressive Congress to avoid driving opposition elements to the edge and compounding the crisis in Nigeria.
“The country is already penetrated by external interests on myriad issues, not least security: ADC should avoid calling for more external interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
“On the part of the ruling party, moderation is recommended on the transition programme to avoid driving opposition elements to the edge. As for the electoral body, the political environment is already charged with enough suspicions dogging the political space. Its deductions and actions should be considered both vertically and horizontally, given the fact that self-serving politics is the common denominator among the country’s politicians.
“Politics as a form of business in our clime means reasonable conduct is a far cry from its theatre.
“The NPSA believes that the matter in contention is resolvable and can be resolved internally. There is no need to externalise the issue. Our Association strongly holds the view that urgent action is needed to douse the brewing tension between INEC and the two factions of the ADC.
“The Nigerian state, in its current constitution, has been weakened over the years by the choices made by its successive leaders, leading one to doubt its capacity to manage another avoidable political upheaval at this point. The time for concerned Nigerians to intervene in the unfolding story is now, to save the country the cost of a full-blown political conflict that could compound the already tense security situation in the nation.’’
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