Nigeria’s democracy has failed critical test – Fayemi
Former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi, has delivered a compelling keynote address during a national dialogue in Abuja, shedding light on the challenges faced by Nigeria’s democracy.
We’ve been dumped: Adamawa youths decry Fintiri;s exclusion
Fayemi’s speech, given at an event celebrating the 60th birthday of Prof Udenta Udenta, delved into the failures of Nigeria’s democratic system, with a focus on the 2012 fuel subsidy removal protests and the need for proportional representation in politics.
Two FCT directors, 5 others face charges over land racketeering
One of the pivotal moments in Nigeria’s democratic history was the fuel subsidy removal announced by President Goodluck Jonathan in January 2012.
Intra African trade: Transport ministry calls for synergy between shippers, stakeholders
This decision led to a significant spike in petrol prices, sparking widespread protests known as ‘Occupy Nigeria.’ Citizens from major cities across the nation took to the streets to voice their grievances.
Fayemi, during his address, pointed out that the protests were not solely driven by concerns about the subsidy removal but were influenced by political interests. .
A core theme of Fayemi’s address was the critique of Nigeria’s “winner-takes-all” approach to democracy.
He argued that this approach does not effectively address the nation’s challenges. Instead, Fayemi advocated for proportional representation, a system where election rewards are distributed among contestants based on their share of the vote.
He emphasized that the current system allows a political party to claim 100% of the power even if it secures only a fraction of the votes.
Fayemi believes that proportional representation could promote unity and cooperation among political parties, reducing the divisive nature of adversary politics.
Fayemi’s call for alternative politics resonates with the need for a more inclusive and equitable democratic process. He urged the nation to move beyond the traditional political alternatives and explore new avenues for governance.
Fayemi acknowledged that all major political parties in Nigeria, including the PDP, APC, and Labour Party, had included the removal of the subsidy in their manifestos. However, he stressed that the actual implementation of the policy in 2012 was driven by political considerations rather than a genuine commitment to the policy itself.
This observation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within political parties. Fayemi called for a comprehensive evaluation of party manifestos and the selection of individuals to lead policy implementation to ensure the alignment of intentions with actions.
Kayode Fayemi’s address at the national dialogue provided a critical analysis of Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing the need for proportional representation and more accountable political practices.
His insights into the 2012 fuel subsidy removal protests shed light on the complexities of policy decisions influenced by political interests.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, Fayemi’s call for alternative politics and a more equitable distribution of power serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on improving the nation’s democratic system. It is essential for stakeholders to heed these recommendations and work towards a more inclusive and effective democratic framework for the benefit of all Nigerians.
By addressing these critical issues, Nigeria can take significant steps toward strengthening its democracy and fostering unity among its diverse political landscape.
Home News
News
Oyetola makes case for rehabilitation of Apapa, Tin-Can ports
September 6, 2023
The officials of the ministry of marine and blue economy.
The officials of the ministry of marine and blue economy.
Oyetola makes case for rehabilitation of Apapa, Tin-Can ports
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has called for an immediate rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin-Can ports in Lagos State, Nigeria.
The Minister made the assertion at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Headquarters in Lagos in a meeting with the Management and Staff of the Agency shortly after an inspection of facilities at the Lagos Port Complex.
Oyetola assumes office as minister marine and blue economy
A statement by Henshaw Ogubike,
Director, Press & PR of the ministry said,
Oyetola who decried the poor state of the collapsed quay sections of the ports noted that the Federal Government understands the importance of ports as it relates to the nations economic development hence, stressed the need for immediate commencement of infrastructural renewal of ports across the country.
Just in: Full list of president Ahmed Tinubu;s ministers and their portfolios
On the need to decongest the ports, the Minister disclosed that he was made to understand that about 6000 containers dating back to 2011 have been abandoned at the ports.
According to him, such an act is a hindrance to better service delivery. He therefore, enjoined NPA to synergize with the Nigeria Customs and auction such containers.
Nigerian youths call on Tinubu to appoint Hon. Vrati Nzonzo as their minister
In addition, Oyetola stated that the current practice of physical examination of containers at the ports was an aberration and called for the deployment of scanners at all terminals.
Speaking on the need to rehabilitate the ports access roads and movement to facilitate evacuation of freight through rail from the Apapa port, Oyetola promised to engage the Ministers of Works and Transportation to proffer solutions to these challenges.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, while welcoming the Minister on his maiden visit to the Agency, expressed optimism that his appointment will herald and provide the needed support for the Agency to amongst other things, secure the needed funds and approvals for the construction and rehabilitation of ports infrastructure in the country, restore 24 hour navigation at the Eastern port as well as work out modalities for increased patronage and bottlenecks affecting the Eastern ports.
__________________
We do hope that the information we were able to provide you are helpful. Checkout out other unique articles on our blog for more detailed information and do well to share with your friends and family. Follow us on our Twitter and Facebook to stay updated with premium information.
Please leave any comments or questions in the area given below.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in Fact Check are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Fact Check. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
Information is presented to the best of our knowledge and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability concerning the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Therefore, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
Information is presented to the best of our knowledge and while we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability concerning the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Therefore, any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.
