On this Democracy Day, I had intended to rest my pen. I wanted to leave the fate written on the walls of history to speak for itself. I thought perhaps the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy were enough testimony. Yet, in the final hour, a thought stirred within me, compelling me to write a message to all of us who have come together to form this sovereign nation called Nigeria. My message is particularly for those who believe that the business of Nigeria lies in the hands of a powerful few. Perhaps they are influenced by what the German sociologist Robert Michels described as the "Iron Law of Oligarchy" ,the tendency for power to concentrate in the hands of a small elite. Looking at our politics, our institutions, and our economy, one may be tempted to believe that the destiny of Nigeria is determined only by those who occupy powerful offices and influential positions. But history tells a different story. Nigeria does not belong to any president, governor, politi...
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has described the recent military intervention in Guinea-Bissau as “a ceremonial coup,” insisting that the country’s electoral results must be announced without delay.
Jonathan, who led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Observation Mission, was in Guinea-Bissau to monitor the presidential and legislative elections held last Sunday.
Speaking after the unfolding political tension, he stressed that despite the military’s incursion into the political space, the situation does not amount to a “conventional coup,” but rather a disruption that regional bodies must help rectify.
He said the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) must act swiftly to ensure transparency by compelling authorities to release the official election results.
Jonathan emphasized that safeguarding the democratic process in Guinea-Bissau is critical to sustaining peace and stability in the West African sub-region.
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