By IyeneAbasi Mercy Etim
The United Kingdom, much like Nigeria, has faced significant lawlessness and violence following multiple protests.
In response, former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a powerful and timely appeal to police chiefs, warning of a “growing consensus that mob rule is replacing democratic rule.”
Sunak’s call for more robust police responses to protect politicians and democratic processes resonates deeply, especially in the face of ongoing violent protests. Despite losing the last election, his words serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law, even when in opposition.
Sunak’s message underscores the necessity of strong leadership and unwavering commitment to democracy.
Opposition leaders in Nigeria, such as Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, can draw valuable insights from his stance.
Instead of remaining in perpetual campaign mode, fueling crises with unhealthy rhetoric, and refusing to acknowledge the progress and developmental strides of the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, these leaders can choose a path of constructive engagement and national unity.
Sunak’s call for robust police responses is not just about maintaining order; it is about safeguarding the democratic framework that allows for peaceful transitions of power and the protection of the elected. This is something critically missing in the actions of Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar.
The former Anambra State governor and third-place candidate in the 2023 presidential elections has maintained an ostrich approach, subtly encouraging protesters not to seek dialogue or an end to the protests. Atiku Abubakar has been more brazen, encouraging looters, violence, and anarchy from his comfortable Dubai residence.
In a recent statement, the 2023 presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, sent a stern warning to service chiefs in the nation, threatening them with accountability for “crimes” even in the years following their retirement from service.
Atiku, whose son traveled from Adamawa State to join the protests in Lagos, has refused to condemn the looting mobs in states like Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, Jigawa, and Borno, which have led to unrest and 24-hour curfews in many areas.
Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have not shown leadership in this regard. If they truly love Nigeria and are committed to democracy, they must, at the very least, encourage the protection of democratic institutions and processes. They must stand firm against lawlessness and anarchy, even after losing an election.
Like Sunak in the UK, Obi and Atiku have a similar responsibility in Nigeria. Both have held power for eight years each—Atiku as vice president and Peter Obi as governor of Anambra. They should understand the intricacies of governance and how reforms take time to take shape. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has undertaken significant economic reforms, including the partial removal of petrol and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira, which have greatly impacted Nigerians.
Interestingly, these reforms are not so different from the manifestos of Peter Obi and Atiku during the last elections. Hence, it is hypocritical for the losers of the 2023 elections to mislead Nigerians into thinking that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not mean well for them.
These reforms have begun to take shape and are projected to boost the Nigerian economy, attract foreign investment, improve the business environment, and address long-standing economic challenges, which will, in due time, positively impact Nigerians.
If Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar believe that acknowledging the unique challenges and achievements of the current administration will somehow reduce their political influence or fanbase, they should at least focus on constructive engagement. It is within their rights to offer valuable insights and alternative solutions that can enhance government policies and programs instead of perpetually campaigning and opposing for the sake of opposition.
These leaders must stop covertly or openly riling people up for possible unlawful government changes that can lead to nothing but chaos.
Rishi Sunak’s recent remarks serve as a beacon of wisdom and leadership and a significant lesson on political opposition that transcends borders—a subject Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar can take inspiration from. In the end, the strength of a democracy lies in the ability of its leaders to work together for the common good. Leaders lead well while the opposition plays a pivotal role in checkmating those in power. No part of that involves setting the country ablaze because one lost an election.