Democracy in Comatose, ZLP National Chairman Calls for a Presidential Intervention.
By Raymond Enoch
In an urgent call to action, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) National Chairman Chief Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu intervention to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, which he said is being threatened by anti-democratic activities allegedly orchestrated by political surrogates in key states.
Chief Dan Nwanyanwu, the National Chairman of the ZLP, made the appeal during a press conference in Abuja, drawing attention to rising tensions in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States.
“We, of ZLP, sincerely bemoan the ugly and anti-democratic music booming in Rivers, Osun, and Lagos States,” Nwanyanwu said, emphasizing that the political actions in these regions are undermining the stability of Nigeria’s democracy. He specifically pointed to the alleged involvement of prominent political figures, including Ministers Nyesom Wike and Gboyega Oyetola, as well as Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, in activities that he described as “less than melodic.”
Nwanyanwu voiced concern about the direction some state governments are taking, particularly Osun and Lagos, which he warned could descend into chaos reminiscent of the “Wild Wild West,” while Rivers State could witness a resurgence of dangerous militancy, akin to the troubling past of Nigeria’s oil-producing regions. These developments, he said, risk threatening national security and stability.
This press release comes on the heels of escalating political crises in these states, some of which have even made their way to the Supreme Court. However, when pressed by journalists about the legal complexities involved, Nwanyanwu acknowledged the importance of the rule of law but argued that political solutions might still be necessary. “While we, at ZLP, adhere to the rule of law, we believe that political solutions sometimes become essential,” he explained.
A point of contention raised by Nwanyanwu involves the legal status of 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who defected from the political party that sponsored them. The defections have sparked significant controversy, particularly surrounding the sworn affidavits these members filed acknowledging their change of party affiliation. Nwanyanwu emphasized that such actions, which included public announcements and events hosted by the new political party, made their defection undeniable, despite attempts to retract the affidavits.
“Even an unborn child can attest to the very act of defection,” Nwanyanwu remarked, stressing the absurdity of trying to reverse what was a clear and deliberate move by the lawmakers. He further expressed concerns about the subsequent withholding of funds and the broader consequences of such political maneuvers, calling it an abuse of privilege and a disregard for public welfare.
Drawing on historical references, Nwanyanwu recalled his participation in the pro-democracy struggles of the early 1990s, pointing out that those now in power were nowhere near the frontline of the fight for democracy. This, he said, made their current actions all the more alarming.
At the heart of ZLP’s statement is a plea for President Tinubu’s intervention. Nwanyanwu argued that the President’s timely involvement is crucial to preventing a worsening of the political crisis, especially in regions already grappling with tensions. He warned of the potential economic fallout if the ongoing unrest is left unchecked, citing the possible consequences of an impeachment of Governor Sim Fubara of Rivers State. “Imagine the unintended consequence of the Wild Wild West and the dire economic consequence if, in a less than transparent manner, His Excellency Sim Fubara is impeached, and in reaction, the Ijaw boys start sabotaging oil flow,” he said.
The ZLP’s press release underscored a growing concern about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, one that, according to Nwanyanwu, is at risk of slipping into “recession.” He concluded with a direct appeal to President Tinubu: “The intervention of Mr. President is very urgent because we live in a region where democracy is regrettably in recession.”
As tensions continue to rise in these critical states, the Zenith Labour Party’s call for presidential action reflects a broader concern about the health of Nigeria’s democracy, one that may require immediate attention to prevent further political instability.
