In the Nigerian political
terrain, Sen David Mark made a remarkable history, precisely in June 2011, as
the first Nigerian to become the President of the Senate for two consecutive
terms. Indeed everyone look forward to making history including an ‘imbecile’,
though not all histories are appropriate or acceptable.
On Wednesday April 1, 2015, as
soon as the electoral umpire (INEC) announced the winner of the Presidential
polls, virtually everyone rushed to the media, including social, electronic and
print, to express his or her personal feelings. In view of this, one of the
paramount opinions that were raised was that, at last democracy has come to
stay in Nigeria. According to the public, for an incumbent President in an
African country to be unseated, speaks volumes in the democratic development of
the affected country. Suffice to say; a remarkable history was recorded in
Nigeria on the aforementioned date.
Yes a history was made on April 1, 2015, but the overwhelming and
astonishing one remains the concession of defeat that was wholeheartedly
expressed or registered by President Goodluck Jonathan. In other words, some
historic events or records could be far more extraordinary than others.
During my last trip to Asaba, Delta State, a bosom friend of mine who
resides in the city told me unequivocally that he was yet to see a man or a
leader loaded with absolute integrity than the present Nigerian President, Dr
Jonathan. From my perspective, I told him, though President Jonathan tried in
saving the nation from a possible state of anarchy or chaos, but sometimes we
might not really explain how things transpire in our lives. I made effort to
let him acknowledge the spiritual aspect of the step taken by the leader in
question.
Of course there is no need reiterating the fact that the peaceful
outcome of the Presidential polls was as a result of the Almighty’s timely
intervention and not by any human effort as being presumed. Needless to say
that, if God wasn’t by our side, Mr President would have reacted differently
contrary to the exemplary gesture he showcased. Acknowledging this singular
fact would enable us to give God the deserved glory each time we discuss the
said epoch-making occasion.
Right now, almost every Nigerian is anxious or cannot wait to embrace
the forthcoming handover ceremony, which is constitutionally expected to take
place on Friday May 29, 2015. Regarding the handover, several concerned
Nigerians, likewise myself, are currently apprehensive or filled with mixed
feelings which is not unconnected to the news making the rounds that the
incumbent administration intends to hand over Power to the incoming one on
Thursday May 28, contrary to the date stipulated in the constitution of the
Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is May 29.
I grew up to comprehend the fact that the content of the constitution,
bye-law or the Act as the case may be, of any organization/society remains
sacrosanct and must be treated as such unless until any of its section or
subsection is duly altered or amended by the concerned authority or apt
quarters. If such mandate still holds water, I wonder why the Presidency would
want to act otherwise, or propose to hand over the helm of affairs on May 28
which is wholly unconstitutional.
I’m of the view that an action or intended plan that is candid and
genuine may awaken a state of imbroglio if wrongly expressed or implemented.
Sure, the Presidency might not have any skeleton in their cupboard or any
sinister motive, but for the fact that the proposed exercise is against the
directive of our law as well as the expectation of the people, I suggest they
have a rethink.
This is not a matter of reaching an agreement; even if the leadership of
the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the incoming administration concurs with
the proposal, I still don’t believe it would be fair and legitimate for such
intended practice to take place; it won’t be healthy to the nation at all. This
is about Nigeria; it is about the entire citizenry; it is about the electorate;
it is about the nation’s nobility; it’s about the impression we are about to
create in the sight of the international community; it’s about the anticipated
implication of the intended illegitimate act.
If I’m to air my view, I would say without
mincing words that the proposed May 28 handover is not just an innuendo but a
misconceived plan that is liable to create a mischievous circumstance. No gain
saying that; it is not unlike placing a round peg in a square hole. Even
seemingly innocuous plans or intentions, in certain contexts, are taken to be
offensive, not to talk of when our constitution which its content is bound to
be kept sacred is about to be abused.
The judiciary, which remains the law custodian, must come in at this
juncture; they shouldn’t be silent at a time their services are needed most.
They ought not to await our reminder before they do what is expected of them,
or before they take up their due responsibility. Or, are they on sabbatical?
I’m just thinking aloud.
Since I was ten, I was taught that no one is mightier than the law, not
even the makers. Thus, a different impression must not be cited before our
young ones, for posterity sake. We should note that as we lead, some other
persons are rightly watching our footsteps; so we must endeavour to showcase
exemplary ideas at all times in order not to mislead our teeming followers.
Mind you; he who thinks he is leading but has no one following him, is only
taking a walk.
I know Nigeria is in a hurry to embrace ‘a change’, but on the contrary,
she can’t afford to encounter a comatose state. To be frank; the history the
Presidency intends to make is completely unacceptable. Besides, the difference
between Thursday May 28 and Friday May 29 is barely twenty-four (24) hours; so
why the rush? Think about it!
COMR FRED
DOC NWAOZOR
(The Media Ambassador)Founder, Docfred Continental Social Clinic (DCSC) - Owerri
_________________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348028608056
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