Good political leadership, proper understanding and good relationship between political parties and government in power have been described as one of the cardinal factors that can breed sustainable and peaceful democracy in Nigeria.
Director General of the National Orientation Agency( NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, noted this at the opening ceremony of a 2-day political summit organized by the National Orientation Agency in Owerri, Imo state capital, south east Nigeria, with the theme “Political Leadership, Security and Evolving Challenges of Democracy in Nigeria”.
Mr Omeri said it is the federal government’s desire to promote broader understanding for constitutionalism in party politics towards promoting Nigeria’s democracy and the objective of the summit is to redefine the political disposition, cultural and behavioral attitude of Nigerians as a people by showcasing democracy as the best system for organizing a better society.
The programme attracted dignitaries as well as representatives of all political parties. In attendance was the former military head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar represented by Col. Mike Toure (Rtd), Da Jacob Gwang Buba, Gbong Gwon Jos, Professor Attahiru Jega and Governor Rochas Okorocha as chief host.
Omeri in his speech, noted that the programme is conceived as part of the agency’s mandate to promote value orientation amongst political parties and in all sectors as well as effectively capturing the problem of perception as to the precise boundary of the role of political party in democratic governance.
Different speakers at the event commended the agency for providing a platform for political parties to relate, understand and address some issues bothering the nation’s democracy.
They were of the opinion that sustaining the nation’s nascent democracy requires a collective effort by all political parties and stakeholders especially in tackling the issue of political violence and insecurity challenges in the country.
They however urged the leadership of all political parties to close ranks and move beyond party affiliations and embrace dialogue, tolerance and peace in order to protect the country’s democracy.
Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha reiterated the need for a summit for the leadership of all political parties summit in a bid to bring Nigerian leaders of diverse political affiliation into a round-table towards addressing some issues that has slowed down development in the country.
Meanwhile, the INEC chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, represented by the Imo state INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs. Celina Okoh, said INEC in its quest to provide a credible electoral environment is urging political party leaders to change attitudes and create a strong platform for attaining common solution to solve political challenges during and after elections.
