…Says APC using propaganda, misinformation to mask misgovernance
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has declared that democracy is not yet operational in Nigeria, lamenting that the essential ingredients of democracy are still missing in the country.
This is as he accused the ruling All Progressives Congress APC-led Federal Government of using propaganda and misinformation to mask misgovernance.
Obi in his message to mark this year’s Democracy Day, regretted that “individuals who were ineligible to hold public office before, are now in charge of the country’s affairs.
The former Anambra State Governor who took to his X handle wrote: “Most unfortunately, in our present state, our dear country Nigeria cannot be justifiably classified as a democratic country. The vital indicators of democracy are noticeably absent. Some do not even exist.
“Democracy is said to be ‘a government of the people, by the people, and for the people,’ yet none of these three measures exist in our democracy today. Rules, regulations and requirements to participate in elections or be elected for are not followed, consequently, individuals who are to be disqualified ab-initio are now holding public offices.
“As we mark June 12, a day symbolizing the struggle for true democracy in Nigeria, it is deeply troubling that under this present administration in a short span of two years, our nation has witnessed broad erosion of democratic principles.”
Obi also decried the festering insecurity in the country which has adversely affected other sections of the country’s economy.
“There has been a corresponding decline in security and the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. We have traversed from rigged elections to collapsing social services; from soaring poverty to rising corruption; and from a seemingly stable economy to a parlous economy.”
“It is most troubling that in its two years in office, the present government has brought the nation to the point where our leaders now celebrate and endorse failure, lies, and propaganda.
“The government today, rather than show genuine accountability and measurable progress, focuses on manipulating narratives, gaslighting the public, shifting blame and weaponizing governance.
“Meanwhile, Nigerians live in a worsening and worrisome insecurity, widespread corruption, hunger, and general despondence. There are no clear benchmarks for measuring tangible development, as we continue to witness the collapse of key indicators – like education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation- which are parameters for measuring national progress.
“Simple comparisons of what has happened in the past two years, now relies on propaganda and misinformation to mask the mis governance.
“Our country today can best be described as a nation declining fast in all its facets. The security of lives and property has worsened, and the rule of law is virtually non-existent.”
