By Ikeugonna Eleke
The National Coordinator, Obidient Movement Worldwide, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has said that only the reformation of the judiciary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various security agencies, can ensure the progress of democracy in Nigeria.
Tanko made the call in Enugu last weekend, during a meeting of members of Obidient Movement; a political pressure group that supports the Presidential aspiration of Mr Peter Obi, the leader of Labour Party.
The meeting was held to elect the leader of the movement in the Southeast Region.
Tanko, while addressing members, called for urgent reformation of the institutions named, adding that currently, most Nigerians believed less in Nigeria’s Democracy because of the outcome of the 2023 General Elections.
He said: ‘The last election was marred by allegations of irregularities. Currently, these have led a substantial portion of the nation’s population to doubt the legitimacy of the outcome.
‘We think that to ensure the credibility of the process, there should be reforms in the election body, the judiciary and the security agencies too.
He said the New Nigeria which the Obidient Movement was advocating would be achieved if democratic institutions operated independently and the citizens and the press had the ability to express their views freely about government policies without restrictions.
He lamented that the persistent issue of corruption continued to erode the trust between the government and the people and undermined faith in the entire democratic system.
During the meeting, Mr Ikenna Azomchine, a staunch supporter of Mr Peter Obi, who prides himself as ”Obidient General for New Nigeria of Our Dreams”, was elected the leader of the movement in the Southeast.
He said: ‘The Movement is a platform for supporters of Mr Peter Obi to galvanize themselves and usher in a New Nigeria. There is need for the citizens to advocate for accountability and work towards strengthening the instruments that are vital for a true and lasting democracy in Nigeria.’
