At the Coalition of Nigerian Press Briefing, which took place on May 15, 2023, at the ILEC International Conference Center. Nigeria on Trial – Does Democracy Matter? was the focus of the conference.
As a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, I have seen that pregnancy and labour are processes. physiological processes that are largely well-managed by nature and that individuals anticipate with tremendous anticipation. Nigeria has been PREGNANT ever since she gained her freedom in 1960. pregnant with possibilities and assurances. through military takeovers and unsuccessful subsequent administrations. All of these hydra-headed problems have caused our nation to enter a growth-restricted gestation period.
Then, in 2023, Nigeria entered into labour with the February 25th presidential election. In our cherished nation of Nigeria, it was an exceptional moment. Nigerians came together across religious, ethnic, and generational divides for the second time in the nation’s history to decide how the government would be conducted. Nigerians who were taking control of their fate marched toward the polls. The expansion in registration, the effervescence and passionate engagement in the campaign and voting, especially by the youth, were the distinguishing features of the 2023 Presidential elections, which were thoroughly documented in data sources in the public domain. This increase can only be explained by Nigerians’ intense desire to bring about change. When I arrived at the voting location in our country’s labour room of 2023, I observed my fellow citizens arriving with their water bottles, rechargeable lights, and folding seats for the elderly and pregnant. To me, it was obvious that Nigerians had realized that only Nigerians could change Nigeria for Nigerians.
The world waited, and Nigerians had high hopes for the implementation of our real democracy. Africa held her breath as Nelson Mandela’s words, “The world will not respect Africa until Nigeria earns that respect,” resounded in our hearts. Nigeria must prosper in order to serve as a source of pride and confidence for all black people worldwide. Unfortunately, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the midwife in this labour, has thwarted the delivery of real democracy and obstructed the labour process.
The people have lost their right to vote, according to numerous testimonies from Nigerians like myself who witnessed what transpired at our voting places and several comments from foreign observers regarding the shortcomings of the polls. It is important to note that due to these apparent abnormalities during voting, results compilation and announcement, and the INEC portal for viewing election results, the major political parties in the polls have subsequently disputed the results as reported by INEC
Delivery has been put on hold until this labour process has been stopped. There is now a constitutional crisis. But the emergence of a new Nigeria, as seen by the Obidient movement, cannot be stopped. This new Nigeria delivery can only be postponed. We tell the foreign community that they have a part to play as we look to the Nigerian judiciary to continue the midwifery process in this delivery of a new Nigeria. They must contribute to amplifying Nigerians’ call for the emergence of true democracy.
the type of democracy that took place in the UK in December when the Prime Minister was forced to pay a fine for not fastening his seatbelt… The British constitution is effective. Why won’t the UK help us implement our Constitution? Why do they support a constitutional coup that, if improperly handled, may prevent Nigeria from becoming a democracy? It is obvious that the process leading up to Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election and our democracy as a whole has descended into a constitutional crisis, and all Western countries should stop acting like ostriches and stop sticking their heads in the sand. Nigeria’s 200 million people want to know what happened to the birth of OUR mandate. Because everything filters down to the grassroots, those of us in Nigeria seeking subnational government positions are wondering what happened to our presidential-level mandate.
Finally, the presence of the judiciary and the military forces should be utilized as a model for creating this new Nigeria. These bodies have their own existences, which are born rather than being determined by the Constitution. As a result, the choice of the president cannot be subjective; it must be rigorously governed by the law and interpreted in accordance with the same constitution. What is covered by our constitution cannot be selectively applied.
The entire world is closely watching this labour chamber, and our judges will in fact rise to the occasion. JFK’s quote will be modified to read, “Democracy is not perfect, freedom has its challenges, but we will not erect a wall to keep our people inside and abort the birth of our democracy.” In this instance, our judicial system won’t be the wall enclosing our people and extending the duration of their labour. They’ll elevate our constitution to a sacred text! This is what we as the people demand. Out of this turmoil, we emerge like the Phoenix. People who value democracy, such as Nigerians and Obidients, are not discouraged. We all cause disruptions… From the ashes, we and our democracy shall emerge.