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Lessons from Nigeria’s eleven years of democracy

Glory be to
almighty Allah for His mercies in seeing us through eleven unbroken
years of democratic rule in Nigeria. It is a great achievement and
quite an exciting experience. I sincerely commend Nigerians for the
consistent faith they have shown, and the patience they exhibited to
sustain democracy.

From all indications, Nigerians cherish democracy. The system is growing and our trust in it is deepening.

There is no doubt
that the challenges have been enormous, but with the commitment of the
people and the leadership at all levels, the nation has overcome most
of the initial obstacles and pessimism. It is a cause for joy that
democracy has come to be. In our 50 years of political independence, it
is this time around that we as a people have been able to sustain
democracy for over a decade. This is no mean feat.

That is why the PDP
deserves special commendation for providing the longest period of
democracy in the history of Nigeria, despite all the odds.

Critics say Nigerians have little to show for the years of civil rule

Not exactly. Before
you draw any conclusion on whether Nigerians gained something or not in
the journey so far, you have to cast your mind back to the period
before the advent of the current democratic dispensation. Nigeria was a
virtual pariah nation, with totally collapsed socio-economic
structures. Fundamental human rights was non-existent. But with the
advent of democracy in 1999, human rights of the people were restored.
Social and economic activities received greater boost at all levels.
The people now have a say on how they are governed. Agreed, some of the
expectations of the people have not been met. This is due to the
distortions in our system. That was exactly what prompted the renewed
focus on rule of law and strict adherence to the concept of due process
in public administration.

Visible achievements by politicians in the North West Zone

More than anything
else, since my election as zonal party chairman for the North West zone
on Tuesday 4th March, 2008 to date, our ability to ensure sustenance of
atmosphere of peace, unity, stability, and steady party progress in all
the seven states under the zone remains paramount.

Secondly, is the
enthronement of internal party democracy and cohesion in all the state
chapters and at all levels. Let me hasten to express my profound and
sincere thanks to all the party leaders in the states, particularly the
governors, local party leaders, and all members and supporters of the
PDP in all the seven states for their consistent support.

One notable
achievement was the successful and peaceful conduct of party congress
in Kano State in August 2009, which produced the first ever
democratically elected state executive committee. I also spear headed
the decamping of Zamfara State governor, Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi, and his
government from ANPP into the PDP in December, 2008. We also received
two senators and five members of the House of Representatives,
representing Zamfara State, from ANPP into the PDP. The political
profile of the North West zone was boosted once again on Wednesday 19th
May, 2010, when Muhammadu Namadi Sambo was elevated from governor of
Kaduna State, to the position of Vice President.

Litany of court cases in the zone

Yes, indeed we were
in courts defending the election of our candidates. All the cases have
been conclusively decided, and we appear to have won most of them, if
not all. Some of these include the election of the governor of Kebbi
State, Saidu Dakingari; that of the governor of Sokoto State, Aliyu
Magatakarda Wamakko; the election of Katsina State governor, Ibrahim
Shema; and the election of the former governor of Kaduna State,
Muhammadu Namadi Sambo.

Crisis in the party’s Kebbi State chapter (over the position of party chairman)

Yes, the issue of
the position of PDP chairman in Kebbi State has been resolved, once and
for all. A new state chairman has been appointed and he is Mansur Shehu
(Mamser). He was duly ratified as the state party chairman on Tuesday,
May 25, 2010.

Support for the federal government

My expectation is
that the people of Nigeria would give maximum support to our President,
Goodluck Jonathan. He is our leader, a patriotic and credible leader
who deserves our full support to enable him succeed in the task of
nation building.