Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has identified trust deficit, selfish leaders and impunity as part of the major factors undermining democracy in Nigeria.
Obi who stated this in a post on his Twitter handle, regretted that democracy in Nigeria had not been allowed to work.
“Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence and bloodletting. The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand.
“What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection lives and property.
“The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly. The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections.”
Obi called for the enthronement of electoral system that could command the trust of the people.
He insisted that votes must be made to count if democracy could gain root in the country.
“June 12 is marked in our dear country as Democracy Day . It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated. On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy.
“Though under military rule, we achieved that feat on June 12, 1993. In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy,
“This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.”
Obi who is still challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the winner of the February 25 presidential poll, tasked Government for respect for the rule of law to deepen democracy in Nigeria.
“Above all, government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule off law.
“This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy. I however urge us all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct”.
Obi who said he was believed that “a new Nigeria is possible,” wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day.
“Personally, I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is possible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security and peace can hardly be utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources.
“Let me, therefore, on behalf of Labour Party (LP) and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day.”
