SDP Revivification And Sundry Possibilities
“The excellence of good governance, driven by good leadership; the wisdom of reforms and transformation far beyond mere growth; the horror of poverty, demanding eradication; the dignity of prosperity; the imperative of democracy and the security of peace with justice.”
From the above, it appears that young people who are clamouring for a takeover would have much to learn from the promoters of the new movement, particularly the fact that most of the men have operated at higher levels of politics and policy.
That unique feature comes out against the background of the compelling argument in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s call for a new movement to contrast APC and PDP. Seen in that light therefore, SDP presents the promise of a possible platform for grooming of future leaders on the basic tenets of democracy and ideals of good governance.
Also, the fact should be recognised that the search for Nigeria’s next President is not synonymous with the hunt for a senior prefect of a unity school. The long period of military rule and the fallen standard of education in the country make it imperative that the youth and the elders have to work together to understand the intricacies of managing Nigeria’s political future.
It is in this promise for a new setting that SDP captures the attention of Nigerians, especially given the state of affairs in the ruling and opposition parties. Interestingly, the MOU, which was signed jointly by the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Olu Falae and Prof. Gana, the new men stressed their desire to work “together to ensure the emergence of a new and credible political order to deepen democracy, good governance and genuine development, with peace, security and social justice.”
They also resolved to build a “restructured, balanced equitable and truly functional Nigerian Federation, humane, free, self-reliant and democratic society; dynamic, productive, transformed and sustainable economy; just, fair, egalitarian and peaceful nation, a land of bright and full of opportunities for all Nigerians; and a national culture of raising good leaders through effective mentoring.”
Knowing that political parties or effective social forces are not formed by announcing big names, the underlying principles enunciated by the proponents of SDP revivification are in tandem with the long term aspiration of most Nigerians, particularly the youth.
But just as the taste of the pudding is in the eating, much is left to conjecture, because until SDP holds the non-elective convention to ratify its avowals, as well as, organizes a suc- cessful presidential primary, the party cannot claim to be ready.
Gangling Offshoots
LTHOUGH SDP appears to be a work in progress, the party has succeeded in making a bold statement in the continuing reexamination of Nigeria’s multi-party democracy. There are indications that the 2019 setting might simulate a new beginning for the nation’s democracy, because other groups with similar ambitious propositions of deepening democracy are coming up to indict the status quo.
Such gangling offshoots include the New Nigeria Progressives Movement (NNPM), founded by Pastor Tunde Bakare, and Take Back Nigeria Association (TBNA) promoted by Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo of Movers for the Voice of Democracy.
In what looks like waking the youth from the ashes of IPOB separatist agitation, Okonkwo explained that the town hall meeting planned by TBNA is to offer the young people opportunity to know Nigeria and formulate the country of their dreams.
He noted that expatiating on the fundamentals of Igbo political history and constitutional federalism is necessary to curb political indifference and non-participation.
“The Nigeria of our dreams without vested interests is possible if young people work to free Nigeria from despondency and mobilise for a better Nigeria agenda of hope, justice, merit, freedom, good governance, peoples welfare and equal opportunities for the purpose of rebuilding and consolidating the unity of our people,” he added.
On his part, former convener of Save Nigeria Group (SNG), Pastor Bakare, said he decided to form a new political movement that would “serve as a platform to champion a new political agenda for Nigeria.” The platform, which he styled as New Nigeria Progressive Movement (NNPM), is meant to be in the forefront for “the restructuring of Nigeria along the path of true federalism.”
He said the only three points on NNPM agenda are restructuring, restructuring and restructuring, craftily coined as RUN (Restructuring For United Nigeria).
It must be against the background of such emotional and sentimental propositions that some practical politicians chose to identify with SDP, which has not only a name, but also history and clout.
However, it is only from August 18 when the processes of selecting Presidential candidates kick off, that Nigerians would know which postulations hold water and which movements have magnitude and direction.
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