1. SECURITY AND
BOKO HARAM - Since the
declaration of state of emergency in key north eastern states affected by the
Insurgency, life and property have been under severe attacks. A large number of
residents have been displaced and forced to migrate to adjourning states or
outside the country. These victims have been uprooted from their homes,
families and jobs. They have lost hope in the ability of their country to protect
them. Clearly the state of emergency has failed.
To make the
matters worse, the elected governors and the other stake holders of the areas
are ignored and totally excluded by the Federal government agencies. Never
since the Nigerian civil war has a major military establishment been so
grounded as the onslaught on the military base in Maiduguri on December 2nd
2013. This gradual deterioration of security and mounting civilian casualties
are symptomatic of the failure of intelligence, political naivety and disconnect
between Jonathan administration and current realities of the Nigerian
situation.
The issue of
compensation should not be one of negotiation. The government must compensate
victims. The Lemu report with its template for an interim escape route provides
the basis for constructive engagement. We urge the government to dust it up
along relevant reports on Nigerian security to assist it in its strategy
towards effective national security.
2. ASUU/IMBROGLIO-The
protracted strike is not so much the fault of the lecturers but that of the
Jonathan administration to confront key issues of university education and
administration today. The current impasse has paralyzed tertiary education
nationwide, compromised security by creating idle youth potentially foreclosing
prospects for a bright future.
Now is the time
for the Jonathan administration to show leadership by working with university
lecturers to find a lasting a lasting to the challenges confronting university
education. In terms of funding, infrastructure, standards and welfare and
administration. This is not the time for threats but partnerships and comprise,
because the youth are our best resource for tomorrow. As a political party, as
parents and guardians, our heart goes out to millions of our youths who have
been deprived their right to education for over half of an academic session
through no fault of theirs.
3. INEC-
the bungling of the Delta Senatorial election and the Anambra state debacle
signpost a broken electoral system. Especially when the umpire openly admits
failure, surrenders with no intent for electoral justice. Less than six months
to elections in Ekiti and Osun with 2015 looming ahead we are burdened with an
INEC that has been de-robed in the public eye, unprepared, compromised and does
not inspire faith in the electorate.
The scale of electoral fraud witnessed in
Delta and Anambra portends grave danger for our democracy. INEC needs an urgent
and necessary overhaul. The APC calls for full implementation of the Justice
Uwais report on electoral reforms. Rather than a selective approach, we demand
a wholesale implementation of the recommendations submitted. The
independence of INEC, the institution of full biometrics that can guarantee the
protection of one man, one vote and the integrity of the election process are
cornerstone of a credible electoral system.
4. POLITICAL
PERSECUTION - the abuse of public anti-corruption institutions by the
Federal Government and the ruling party in persecuting perceived political
enemies undermines the integrity of these institutions and subverts the rule of
law. We have watched the trend in which selected Governors and other top
political figures are being victimized.
This does not
bode well for a civil relationship in our body politic. It emphasizes revenge
over fairness and breeds, malice, rancour and distrust. For avoidance of doubt,
we will wage a consistent and persistent war against corruption and plug
wastages. Corruption under the current federal government is endemic and
Nigeria’s rating has never being this bad.
5. POLICE-
the Presidency and the ruling party have deployed the police against the
highest principles of federalism. Example of Rivers and Abuja Governors’
meeting at Kano lodge where even subordinate police officers act with impunity
has turned Nigeria into a neo fascist state.
This contradicts the very basis of
democracy. Violates the fundamental rights of citizens and elected officers who
do not belong to the ruling party and perceived as enemies of the
presidency. This tendency of turning the Police force into the Rottweiler of
the presidency and the ruling party must be condemned and challenged by all
lovers of democracy and human rights. This abuse of the police is bad
omen for 2015.
Signed
Chief
Bisi Akande
Interim
National Chairman
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