There was little doubt that events and rhetoric would become adversely heated as the much-anticipated election got closer. The behavior and utterances of key candidates as well as their spokespersons had increasingly become untoward. Sadly, this is in spite of the signing of the Peace Accord.
Leaders and senior citizens have made a series of calls for caution on inciting comments. But the key political actors, fired up by desperation, seem set in their ways, a win at all cost mentality.
Disturbing as the behavior of some political actors has been, not many believed that barely days to election, the talk of an interim government or military coup would almost become a mainstream discussion.
The recent exchange of accusations among key political actors and stakeholders over a coup or interim government is not just worrisome but criminal. To put it succinctly, those pushing the narrative of an interim government arrangement are enemies of Nigeria.
It is intriguing that some people still romanticize the idea of a dictatorship 24 years after the nation’s return to democracy. This is a realisation that should be condemned and dismissed.
Of course, democracy is not perfect. It does not promise perfection, not even in the west where it has taken root as a system of government.
It, however, presents the best prospect of attaining fair representation based on equity and justice especially for a multi-ethnic/religious entity like Nigeria.
What’s more, as a people, we have embraced democracy wholesomely as several constitutional and national political meetings suggest since Independence, despite the military interruptions.
Still, the desperation of political actors has continued to undermine the quest for a truly democratic system in Nigeria which is evident in the prevalent poor governance and really slow development.
As such, talks of interim government shouldn’t have, in the first place, gained the level of traction it has at all.
As if It is not shameful enough that the political elite cannot manage themselves, they have resorted to heating up the polity with the hopes of emerging the beneficiary.
Clearly, such calls are a recipe for chaos and we want the international community to take note of those instigating this undemocratic narrative.
We also urge that they take note of those whose actions will culminate in or pave the way for such despicable contraption.
If the reports are anything to go by, the denial of visas to some judges to a foreign country on account of their perceived controversial election ruling in a south east state should serve as a warning.
To this end, we believe that the security agencies should redouble their efforts in addressing these enemies of the democratic process. Although the Directorate of State Services (DSS) and police recently invited a ruling party member to give insight into his claim of a military coup, we believe that investigations into such claims must be followed up to a clear conclusion and actions must be taken.
We have also noticed that members of the opposition party have also accused members of the ruling party of planning to orchestrate an interim government arrangement. These accusers should be invited to back up their allegation as well.
It is not enough for people to make claims they cannot substantiate just as it would be wrong to intimidate persons with credible intelligence from assisting in unraveling such plots where they exist.
It’s good that President Muhammadu Buhari has dismissed concerns about an interim government arrangement being plotted within the villa. His recent position on this matter is consistent with his previous declarations that he would ensure a free, fair, transparent election and a hitch-free transition of power to whoever wins the election.
We have no reason to doubt the president. However, we urge that he continues to remain firm and resolute in ensuring a smooth democratic transition to his successor as much as was accorded to him in 2015.
Having declared repeatedly that he intends to leave a legacy that Nigerians will be proud of, it is only fitting that he does not allow party partisan interests thwart the process and attempt to derail his vision for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
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