PRESS STATEMENT
Political Logjam in Nigeria: Time to Show Leadership
The Alliance for Integrity in Governance is alarmed at the steady deterioration of the political situation in Nigeria. It is baffling how a simple Constitutional issue has assumed octopus proportions because of the self-serving and rather unpatriotic disposition of the nation’s leadership. AIG calls on all stakeholders to take concrete steps to get the nation back on the track of development rather than allowing things to remain as they are or worst still get worse.
The situation can be resolved by a simple application of the provisions of relevant sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, especially section 144. There is no ambiguity as to what should be done by the key stakeholders. The President’s failure to transmit a letter informing the Legislature of his absence in accordance with section 145 of the Constitution can be remedied either by the President himself (since he is sound enough to sign the 2009 Supplementary Budget and grant interview from his hospital bed), or a resolution of the Federal Executive Council and or the National Assembly.
The implication of allowing the situation remain unresolved is better imagined. As things stand there is no substantive Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, the realisation of the administration’s 7 point Agenda has taken back seat in public discourse. There is a daily increase in public agitations as citizens gradually return to the barricades that they left pre 1999 elections, there is multiplication of litigations, which has the capacity to compromise the integrity of the judiciary given the level of influence peddling.
AIG believes that at times like this, we need leaders with integrity to step forward, keep political and personal interests apart and do the right thing in the interest of Nigeria and the much
abused and deprived ordinary citizens of Nigeria. We particularly implore all professionals in politics to show leadership and steer the nation aright.
The true test of leadership is the ability to subsume personal interests under national interests that serves the people and nation.
We cannot pretend that all is well while the nation halts.
Signed for: Alliance for Integrity in Governance.
John Onyeukwu
Convenor
Monday 18 January 2010
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