In a defining moment for Nigeria’s democratic journey, the Council of State has sent a resounding message to the nation and the world: the sanctity of constitutional governance will be upheld at all costs.
This declaration comes in the wake of the recent EndBadGovernance protests, which engulfed some parts of the country.
As a seasoned observer of Nigerian politics, I’ve witnessed my fair share of tumultuous periods. Yet, the events of the past weeks have been particularly striking, not just for their intensity but for the swift and unified response they’ve elicited from the nation’s highest advisory body.
The Council of State, a venerable institution comprising past and present leaders, convened its first meeting under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The gathering was notable not only for its timing but for the gravitas of its participants. With former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Muhammadu Buhari in physical attendance and elder statesmen like General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar joining virtually, the meeting bore witness to a rare convergence of Nigeria’s political generations.
At the heart of the council’s deliberations was a stern warning against what minister of solid minerals Dele Alake described as “a movement to effect a change of regime by force.”
This characterisation of the recent protests as an attempt at unconstitutional regime change is a sobering reminder of the fine line between civil dissent and political instability.
The council’s unequivocal stance on this matter is both reassuring and cautionary. It reassures citizens that the machinery of state remains vigilant against threats to democratic order. Simultaneously, it cautions those contemplating extra-constitutional means of effecting political change.
“Any change of government has to be through the ballots and not through the barrel of the gun, insurrection, or any other unconstitutional means,” Alake emphasised, echoing a principle that forms the bedrock of democratic societies worldwide.
This resolute position is not merely rhetorical. It is backed by the National Security Adviser’s assurances of the country’s security readiness. The message is clear: Nigeria’s democracy, hard-won and still evolving, will be defended with all available resources.
Yet, amidst these stern declarations, signs of a more nuanced approach to governance exist. The Nigerian Governors’ Forum’s vote of confidence in President Tinubu suggests a closing of ranks among the political class. This show of unity, if sustained, could provide the stability needed to address the underlying issues that fuel civil unrest.
On the economic front, the coordinating minister of the economy Wale Edun presented a cautiously optimistic outlook. His report of growth in key areas such as trade balance and foreign investment offers a glimmer of hope in what has been a challenging economic landscape.
The emphasis on the service sector, particularly in technology and outsourcing, points to a forward-looking strategy that could tap into Nigeria’s youthful and increasingly tech-savvy population.
However, as any keen observer of Nigerian affairs knows, economic indicators tell only part of the story. The true test of any administration lies in translating these macro-level improvements into tangible benefits for the average citizen.
The acknowledgement of high inflation and the need for interventions to ameliorate the cost of living suggests an awareness of this crucial challenge.
As we reflect on these developments, it’s worth considering the historical context. Nigeria’s journey as a democracy has been marked by periods of turbulence, from the Sharia crisis in the early 2000s to the 2020 EndSARS protests. Each of these moments has tested the resilience of the nation’s democratic institutions.
The current situation, while unique in its specifics, follows a familiar pattern: economic hardship fuelling political discontent, which in turn risks being exploited by those with ulterior motives.
The Council of State response demonstrates a level of institutional maturity that bodes well for the country’s democratic future.
Yet, questions remain. How will the Tinubu administration balance the need for economic reforms with the imperative of maintaining social stability?
Can the show of unity among the political class translate into meaningful cooperation on pressing national issues? And perhaps most crucially, how will the government address the legitimate grievances of the citizens while maintaining law and order?
For in Nigeria’s stability lies the hopes of democratic progress for much of West Africa.
The coming months will be critical. The Tinubu administration’s ability to deliver on its economic promises while fostering national unity will be put to the test.
The council’s vote of confidence provides a window of opportunity, but it is one that must be seized with both hands.
In the end, the true strength of Nigeria’s democracy will be measured not just by its ability to withstand challenges, but by its capacity to evolve and meet the aspirations of its people.
The Council of State has drawn a line in the sand against unconstitutional change. Now comes the harder task of building a democracy that renders such change not just illegal but unnecessary.
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