‘ Don’t ‘redefine’ democracy’, pol analyst warns Buhari  * Says Nigeria democracy under threat 

Don’t ‘redefine’ democracy, pol analyst warns Buhari

* Says Nigeria democracy under threat

Steve Oko

A front line political analyst Chief Amah Abraham, has warned President Muhammadu against the grave implications of “re-defining” democracy in Nigeria “as his body language and recent developments in the country seem to suggest”.

The former Special Adviser to ex-Gov. Orji Uzor Kalu on Political Affairs who gave the warning in an open letter to the President entitled “Buhari, Please Don’t Redefine Democracy “, accused the President of tilting towards autocracy.

He cited the recent re-arrest of Sahara Reporters Publisher, Sowore by the operatives of the Department for State Services (DSS) “right inside a court room in a gestapo manner “, the ‘toxic’  hate speech bill , the unilateral closure of Southern borders by the President, and the continued clamp down on the opposition as danger signals that “Nigeria is sliding towards authoritarianism.”

The former Council boss also expressed worry over the worsening economic  hardship and rising spate of insecurity in the country, warning that if no urgent steps were taken to address the situation, “Nigeria may be heading for the worst”.

He also criticized the President over his lopsided appointments which he said had further polarised the country, and blamed him for the renewed agitations for self rule by various ethnic groups.

Chief Abraham further lampooned President Buhari who he accused of poor management of the Nigeria economy which he said “has resulted to poverty and hardship in virtually every family “.

The open letter made available to journalists in Umuahia read in part : ” My dear President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in our country. I am worried that the unity of our country is under threat. I am more worried about the rape, abuse and castigation of our hard earned democracy.

“Eminent Nigerians worked hard to realise your victory during the 2015 presidential election. President Goodluck Jonathan submitted himself to the acclaimed wishes of the Nigerians to allow peace  and move Nigeria forward. Nigeria economy was booming and kicking positively.

” We had significant improvement in the ease  of doing business index. Corporate Nigeria was at its best. Banks all over Nigeria were opening up new branches. The Naira – Dollar rate was stable. Inflation was on a sknhke digit for over five year period. The major problems were the menace of boko haram and corruption.

” Nigerians trusted your incorruptible dossiers and your military capacity to address the issue of insurgency. Truly you have done reasonably well to weaken the spate of insurgency but same can not be said of corruption in Nigeria. I believe you can still do better to address the issue of corruption from within.

“My major concern which prompted my letter to you is on the very THREAT on our DEMOCRACY right under your watch. The invasion of our National Assembly and the snatching of the mace by a senator now rewarded with the prestigious office of the Deputy Senate President, has remained a national embarrassment and a dent on our global perception.

“The manner the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Onnoghen ,  was removed and the latest assault carried out by the officials of DSS on Sawore and our judiciary have further cast doubt on the survival of our fledgling democracy. The outright impunity on the order of the court as it affect former National Security Adviser, Col. Dasuki (rtd);  Shite Leader, El Zazacky  and even Sawore , are all grave threat to our democracy.

“It is on record you fought to keep the country one . The recent happenings are  about the greatest threat on the unity of Nigeria. Arise oh Mr  President and save Nigeria from these multiple abuses and assaults.

“Sadly, the efforts by your government to promote one Nigeria is lopsided. You say we don’t need foreign rice but we failed to patronising made in Nigeria Innoson vehicles the way you want us patronise local rice. We forbid foreign rice and embrace foreign vehicles.

“On the closure of our borders, the step taken by the Federal Government is not holistic enough.  How much does the Federal Government and all its agencies spend annually on Toyota? Why not spend that on Innoson vehicles  in the same manner Indian government has patronized TATA vehicle brand? All the truck used by Indian Armed forces are  TATA.  Check out the policy thrust of India, China and UAE and even Malaysia –  you will notice that it is based on open market policy offering which is anchored on comparative advantage -producing quality and comparatively cheaper products. Why create conditions which are unfavorable to the citizenry?

“It has also been painfully observed that while only the Southern borders are securely closed, Northern borders have remained open, thus allowing all manner of persons and goods flood the country. Now so many locally -made goods mostly Aba, Nnewi and Onitsha -made shoes, garments  and leather products no longer move through the borders, thus creating untold hardship for millions of Nigerians in that chain.

“These are some of the factors fueling the rising agitation for self rule by various ethnic groups. Even the uncoverted are now beginning to review their opposition to the wind of autonomy.

“Your excellency, you need a one month retreat with your key officials where you can talk truthfully to yourself. You still have some ample time to address the lopsidedness in your major policy thrust.”

Chief Abraham cautioned Buhari against seeking third term in office as that could be disastrous.

“You should immediately call the mischevious promoters of third term agenda for Your  Excellency to order. That was how similar unpatriotic elements in the past praised the late Military junta, Gen Sani Abacha to his grave, and almost but for providence, plunged Nigeria into an avoidable political turmoil.  Please do your best to protect Nigeria.”