by Bayo Odunayo

We have gotten to a crucial point when we have to embrace the true spirit of democracy and import of opposition in government in order to move Nigeria forward.

Dear Opposition Parties,

In a democratic system, the onus to develop the nation depends on all and sundry; government, opposition parties, masses, organizations among others. To offer optional progressive ideas, proffer solutions to pressing issues touching the very foundation of living, engage in developmental activities at various levels obtainable, upholding the best interest of the people e.t.c are primary functions of opposition parties in democratic nation worldwide. However, it is difficult to conclude this is the case in Nigeria, where oppositions rants are motivated by their own political interest in disguise, speak as saints to the public and act contrary. Your existence in the system is needed, however, it is not enough to exist, but make meaningful impact with your existence.

If we can all remember, the rise of opposition party in Nigeria was accompanied with much expectations from the masses, but the disappointment that followed has ridiculed the opposition to ordinary political ventriloquists. Just as usual, I have always agreed with the popular political philosophy which views political party as a platform for candidates to emerge, no political party is saint, no political party is evil; only the persons are good or evil. In Nigeria, the PDP has been tagged to be evil by the opposition, while the opposition paint itself as saint; however, a reasoning mind will agree that, there are leading PDP governors, senators and other political office holders who cannot but be commended. As much as we can mention the corrupt, we can as well make an endless list of the ever productive ones- of course, Rotimi Amaechi, the governor of River state who has changed the phase of development in the state to a higher level, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema, the governor of Katsina state also a transformative leader, Senator Bukola Saraki former chairman of governors’ forum and governor of Kwara state, first to lead the state for eight years in a democratic system based on accelerated and noticeable developmental activities across the state; now serving as senator and chairman of senate on environment, soaring desperately high with a renewed foresight for a greater Nigeria from his office among many others are PDP.

No doubt, in the opposition parties, same is obtainable – just as we can commend the efforts of Olusegun Mimiko whose good works brought him into the seat for the second time; the same can be said of Tunde Fashola. Sad for our democracy, the opposition intentionally overlook the positive side of the ruling party, if it would visit the positive side of the ruling party at all, it will visit it with a faulty mind. We have gotten to a crucial point when we have to embrace the true spirit of democracy and import of opposition in government in order to move Nigeria forward.

Just as we have seen the ruling party fail in some areas, the oppositions have also failed woefully in many areas. Today, ask an Oyo man what he feels about the present ACN led administration, and you will detest the party based on thorough failure recorded in Oyo state to mention a few. What difference does the opposition make? Stoping the progress from going forward?

In an interview series broadcasted on Aljazeera television on Wednesday July 4th, 2012- ACN’s governor Fayemi of Ekiti made one of the most disgraceful and divisive statements when he stated clearly that his party has nothing to do with the PDP; he is running his agenda and President Goodluck is running his”, even on an international TV station. This statement shows the extent at which Fayemi and perhaps his other fellows in ACN are uncoorperative with the ruling party. We can then begin to imagine all they have been doing and would still do dent the image of the ruling party, not because they want to improve Nigeria but to satisfy their desperate thirst for power. Therefore, it’s important to know that, oppositions should not be enemies of the government-rather partners in progress. If they work together with the government, they increase the chances of toppling our problems easily.

Reflecting on a message sent out to the opposition by Senator Bukola Saraki in an interview last January; truly, beyond publishing canard information and baseless criticism, we need to be transformed, come together and support the course of the government. CPC, ACN, LP and others do not need to wait until election before the masses can see what they have to offer; actions are better description of our thoughts. Of course, it is not a bad idea if opposition parties engage in development projects irrespective of the magnitude even as they seek power. This goes beyond the literary sense, it’s a serious task for the opposition to address and also a thoughtful task for masses to vote based on evidences and not promises.

Conclusively, with the arrival of a new coalition party i.e. the All Progressive Congress formed by ACN,CPC, APGA and ANPP- which has led to terrible division within the four parties that merged, even as several troubles within are yet to emerge; since the confusion amongst the opposition is peaking in a new dimension- is there still ACN, APGA.CPC and ANPP or all office holders on the platform of these parties are presently on APC platform? Total restructuring or continuation? Apparently, the identity is lost and there is a strong political risk to a party in loss of identity, “whether in opposition or government”.

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Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.