From NADECO To Military Style Tyranny

Of course Nigerians remember NADECO, the National Democratic Coalition formed in 1994 with a common goal of ending Military rule and restoring Nigeria to a democracy. Restoration of Democracy was its key position and all key leaders, activists and politicians who subscribed to this goal were unwavering in this pursuit. They also had the massive support of the people in pursuing this goal with the belief and hope that once this is achieved the country would begin it’s march once again to greatness.
May 15 is the anniversary of the formation of NADECO, but can we say that today is democracy as pursued by the group or a civilian military regime that has turned most of the tenets of democracy on its head?
One wonders that given the fact that the surviving members of the core of NADECO are now in power, should the principles of democracy not be very evident, instead of the emerging suffocating one party system that operates in a military style.
Is there really any leftover from the principles espoused by NADECO that one can evidently see in the way that the current government operates?
The obvious dislike for dissenting opinions, the attitude of “we are always right”, the non ideological basis of politics and the “join and your sins would be forgiven” attitude that has in the perception of the politicians, arm-twisted them into encouraging defections and the journey towards a one party state.
The additional suspension of democratic institutions in Rivers State by obvious fiat, and the disregard of the law on local government even as ruled by the Supreme Court, adds to this seemingly undemocratic stance of a NADECO led government.
While those who can, will celebrate the birthday of NADECO others will continue to ask if this is the dream that NADECO promised Nigerians.
– Anonymous.