Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Professor Obiora Nwosu, Vice Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Anambra State, has commended management of College of Post Graduate Studies of the university for orgainsing a round-table on democracy in Africa.
Nwosu made the commendation on Friday at a round-table organised by the university in Awka.
He urged the participants at the round-table to deal professionally with the issues which bordered on national and African polity.
Nwosu said the topics “The Resurgence of Military Intervention in African Politics: Causes and Challenges for African Development” and “The Dialectics of Democracy Backsliding and the Future of Africa’s Development,” were apt.
He urged the discussants to be critical and proffer visible solutions to the identified challenges with simple goal of a better society and a brighter future for younger generations.
Speaking, Prof. Godwin Onu, convener of the round-table explained that the programme was aimed at encouraging young scholars to address African issues.
Onu, who is the Provost College of Postgraduate Studies of the university, said it was expected that young scholars contribute to strengthening of democratic principles and its sustainability in Africa.
He said the university was collaborating with Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, (NIIA) Lagos, and Adekunle Ajasin University Akingba, Akoko, Ondo State to address pressing issues facing the African continent.
He said that a panel of experts and scholars from different institutions were gathered to provide a platform for in-depth analysis and meaningful dialogue on issues facing Africa and possibly proffer solutions .
Nwosu noted that Nigerian democracy had a promising start but faced setbacks due to issues with operators who had different mindsets and ideologies towards the term democracy.
Chairman of the event, Prof Charles Obiorah of Department of Political Science, Anambra State University Igbariam, commended the organisers of the round-table for a brilliant scholarly packaging.
Dr. Kester Onor, a resource person from NIIA, discussed the resurgence of military intervention in African politics.
Onor said that imperialism, sit tight syndrome, power elongation, insecurity, corruption, high level of resentment, insurgency among others were reasons for military coups in Africa.
The Legal Adviser of the University, Prof Carol Arinze-Umeobi, examined the negative consequences of military interventions.
She said that issues such as human rights abuses, disruption of democratic processes, and the potential hindrance of economic growth and development could aid military interventions.
