Nigeria risks returning to the pariah status it acquired in the Comity of Nations if it continues its disregard for the Rule of Law and Constitution.
A former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, said this on Tuesday in Lagos at the unveiling of the new logo of the Nigerian Tribune and a seminar to mark the 70th anniversary of Nigeria’s oldest newspaper.
While he did not make reference to any case in particular, Anyaoku, who was chairman of the symposium, titled: “Electoral Integrity, Legitimacy of Democratic Institutions and Good Governance,” urged the Federal Government and the relevant institutions to ensure that the February and March elections are free and fair.
He said the expectations of the people and indeed the international community were that the elections would be credible.
He urged the government, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, the security agencies and other relevant institutions to meet the expectations.
Anyaoku said the rest of the world was keenly watching Nigeria and the conduct would determine how the country would be viewed and treated by the international community.
He said: “As our country is preparing for the general elections in two week’s time, I have three observations to address: the Nigerian government, INEC and others.
“First, Nigeria’s friends and the whole of the international community are watching.
“Watching the behaviour of Federal Government and its agencies, including especially the police, the army and the other law enforcement agencies, to see how far we respect the country’s constitution, the rule of law and the obligation to act well in playing their roles in respect to the elections.
“From my long experience in international politics, I must warn that no country can be an island unto itself, especially in our increasingly globalising world.
“Therefore, our Nigerian Government, like other governments all over the world, while of course guarding its sovereignty, should pay heed to the views of the international community.
“Otherwise, the country would return to the pariah status, which it happily exited in 1999 when it once more embraced democracy.”
Anyaoku spoke a day after the Federal Government chastised the United Kingdom, United States of America and the European Union for expressing divergent views on the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
In separate statements, the US, UK and EU had condemned the suspension of Onnoghen by Buhari, especially coming a few weeks before the country’s national Elections.
However, the Federal Government, through President Buhari’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, faulted the position of the countries and EU, warning their Ambassadors not to interfere in the country’s domestic issues.
Anyaoku went further to commend African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of Nigerian Tribune, for its great contributions to the media industry.
Anyaoku said the contributions of the media organisation to nation-building were as noteworthy as those of its founder, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said he had no doubt the unveiling of a new logo by the newspaper would herald another chapter of service to the people and the nation.
In her address, Chairman of the media organisation, Dr. Tokunbo Awolowo-Dosunmu, said Nigerian Tribune had played its part in nation-building since it was founded 70 years ago.
Awolowo-Dosunmu said the unveiling of the new logo was in continuation of the newspaper’s long-standing vision to be the voice of the people and advocate of a better Nigeria.
Prominent Nigerian including Bishop Matthew Kukah, who delivered the keynote address; a leader of Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo; a former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel: a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro: and Convener of Save Nigeria Group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, were present at the occasion.
Presidential candidate of Young Democratic Party, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, and the Peoples Democracy Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Jimi Agbaje, were also present at the occasion.
Trending
- Breaking: Veteran Yoruba actor, Ogunjimi is dead
- EX-PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS DEMISE OF SIDI ALI, DR. BAFFA YO
- Japa Crises: 58,000 of 130,000 registered doctors renewed licence, says MDCN
- 34-Km Ikorodu-Itokin Road Reconstruction: Gov Sanwo-Olu, Senator Abiru Pay Thank You Visit To Works Minister, Umahi, Make Case For Road Dualisation
- Yahaya Bello: EFCC Chairman’s conduct suggest vendetta, not fight against corruption – Concerned APC chieftains
- LASG Promote Environment Hygiene, Steps up Campaign to end open Defecation
- Odumeje ‘Indaboski’ is a true man of God, says Nkechi Blessing
- Workers trapped as building collapses in Kano