Movement unveiled to ‘recue Nigeria’

A group, National Opposition Movement, has been unveiled. Briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Promoter and Chief Convener of the movement, said the movement was birthed to rescue the nation and democracy from the danger “we see on the horizon.” Showunmi said while Nigeria had made some progress with multi-party democracy, the […]

A group, National Opposition Movement, has been unveiled.

Briefing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, Otunba Segun Showunmi, Promoter and Chief Convener of the movement, said the movement was birthed to rescue the nation and democracy from the danger “we see on the horizon.”

Showunmi said while Nigeria had made some progress with multi-party democracy, the enthusiasm of citizens had wane over the years with each election proving to be worse than the previous.

This, he said had resulted in regression and downward loop in terms of turning out on election day.

“We have watched with agony as the clear ideological differences within parties have disappeared, making the choices first about individual personalities and less about values and ideology,” he said.

He said: “The judiciary of our country has not been spared as we have observed an unacceptable and dangerous erosion of the integrity of judicial institutions, which ordinarily should provide balance, checkmating institutions of government and protecting the state from a complete collapse.

“We have observed an increase in the activities of thugs, other non-state actors and violence at play, adding to the challenges of our democracy.

“The reason for the birth of this movement is the need to rescue our nation and democracy from the danger we see on the horizon.”

He added that “There is an urgent need for a platform to engage political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, the political parties themselves, democratic institutions of other nations and all who can contribute to the wellness and sustainability of our democracy.

“We have created “National Opposition Movement Coalition”.

“This has become necessary as it is obvious that those who are elected members of the opposition have not shown the courage to take on the issues that affect the country and the well-being of the masses.”