Barr. Mary Oyibocha-Agbajoh writes from Warri, Delta State
May 29, 2014, Nigeria as a Country and Nigerians as a People will have another cause to celebrate its Democracy Day owing to a proclamation by the Federal Government to observe the day as a way of appreciating the country’s democratic struggles and liberation.
While basking in the euphoria of the celebration, it is of utmost and significant importance to take a pause, reflect and review how the country’s journey to Democracy started. After so many contending days, months and years against unpopular military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria was able to transit from military to democratic governance.
Interestingly, the country got on a ‘roller coaster’ of its democratic journey courtesy of Africa’s biggest political party: The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Former President Olusegun Obasanjo was in control of both the party leadership and wheel of governance for eight years before handing over to late President Umar Musa Yar’adua who, though briefly, also steered the leadership of both the party and the country.
Presently, the country’s ship of governance and PDP leadership is being navigated by the leadership of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. A man often referred to as ‘a MAN of Destiny’ owing to his divine, rapid and inspiring Political mobility to occupy the highest position in the Country. President Jonathan was a deputy governor of Bayelsa State before being elevated to the position of the state. Fate further entrusted him with responsibilities as a vice president which later metamorphosed into him becoming the President of the federal republic of Nigeria and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party.
It is highly commendable to note that even in the face of numerous challenges evolving out of the leadership and administrative responsibilities entrusted on him, President Goodluck Jonathan have also fared exceedingly well. Significantly, and of utmost mentioning is also the fact that Nigeria under the able leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan has been able to weather the turbulent storm, contend with socio-economic and political challenges to evolve as not only one of the most viable country but also as Africa’s Biggest Economy.
DESPITE the numerous challenges confronting the leadership of the Country, it is also a glaring fact that these issues are perhaps a ‘Carry Over’ of past Military and Civilian administrations. Within a short period of assuming the leadership position of this country, President GOODLUCK Jonathan (GCFR) has demonstrated his passionate commitment to impacting positively on his people and his Country.
However, and like the saying that Rome was not built in a day, likewise the fact that President Jonathan cannot resolve these Socio-Economic and political gridlocks within a short period of time; hence the reality that he deserves to be given the opportunity to not only continue the Good Works but also CONSOLIDATE on them.
At this point, and while the countdown to the Democracy Day begins, it is instructive for Nigerians to imbibe certain principles especially our political ethics, philosophies, norms, values and what have you. As the largest party in Africa, the PDP should take advantage of these indices since we all know that politics is a game of numbers anchored on people’s membership, votes, mobilization and impact. We should therefore use this basic ‘All-Inclusive’ doctrine in the membership drive of the PDP, rather than godfatherism, this or that. I mean there must be total inclusivity of all party members in the membership, operational and administrative policies and implementation of the party. The Umbrella is big, wide and indeed accommodating enough for all that wish to come under it.
Being a political party founded on concrete principles and anchored on the name: The People’s Democratic Party, our green, white and red colour stripes coupled with the massive support and enormous goodwill of the Nigerian People enabled the party rode to power at the genesis of the present democratic era.
Unfortunately, and over the years, the PDP have squandered this goodwill, some of its members are even no longer proud to be identified as PDP members, while other Nigerians continue to point at PDP as the ‘problem’ of Nigeria.
With this reality in view, and in commemoration of the forth coming Democracy Day, this is the time and here is the place, under the good leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan to begin to restore the people's confidence. The much touted internal democracy needs to be brought back immediately into the mainstream operational and administrative system of the party to engender trust and confidence in members.
Furthermore, credibility in our electoral processes, an all-inclusive membership, entrenchment of democratic ideals in our party politics and above all, excellence should be our hallmark in fulfilling our covenant with our countrymen and women. Loyalty to the party and the ideals enunciated by our founding fathers should remain our beacon light.
It is this same patriotic spirit that inspired the founding fathers of PDP on August 19, 1998 that I invoke today. That in the irresistible tides of history, there comes a time when individuals must rise and dedicate themselves completely to larger causes, set aside the simplistic notions of Selfishness, greed and Sectionalism. Such time like this is what we have today not only in our politics but also in our country. We must call out to the humanitarian and compassion of men; a deep desire to associate together in the pursuit of nobility of purpose, devotion to duty, dignity in individual existence and love of one's country. As we celebrate our Democracy Day, I say let us rise to this commitment of excellence in our continuous service to our fatherland.
HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY!!!
-@MOAgbajoh
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