The Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Duro Meseko, has expressed concerns over the rise of military coups in the West Africa sub-region.
He observed that while most military interventions result from bad leadership and leaders trying to hold on to power in the affected countries, a forceful takeover of power is not a solution.
Meseko, speaking during an interactive session with journalists on Monday, however, absolved Nigeria’s democracy of the tendency to hold on to power.
Responding to a question about whether he is worried about the spread of military coups to six West African countries, including the neighbouring Niger Republic, and if he feared Nigeria’s democratically elected leaders might be overthrown as well, he said, “Yes, I am worried about the scourge of military coups again, particularly in some West African countries.
I had thought that this era was gone for good. For me, it is not a good development at all.
However, let me say this: In some of the countries where we have these military interventions, some members of the political class may not have performed well, but taking over the government forcefully is not the solution, and those rejoicing at such will soon begin to cry.”
He further noted, “Some of those leaders swore an oath of office that they have not kept.
Some are changing constitutions to accommodate their personal whims and caprices.
Some swear to an oath of 8 years, but they end up spending 20 years or more.
However, in the case of Nigeria, as you have asked whether I harbour such fears in Nigeria, let me say that I don’t have such fears for Nigeria because, since 1999, no government in Nigeria has tried to go beyond the constitutionally stipulated term in office.
Even under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when the Third Term was attempted, it failed and failed woefully.
Assuming we have a government that is going beyond its constitutionally stipulated term, of course, there would be tension, and such fears may arise.
“The coups d’états now ravaging the continent are worrisome.
That is why the political class in African countries must sit up to the realities of the moment, ensuring that they adhere to the oath they swore and abide by the constitutional limits of their tenure in office.
If they don’t do that, the result is what we are seeing all over now. As the saying goes, the most benevolent military rule is no match for the worst civilian rule.
Under military rule, all your rights are curtailed, the constitution is suspended, and you don’t have the right to say this is wrong.
You are clamped into detention, or you are killed. But under democracy, you can shout, you can protest, you can make your feelings known, and your freedom is guaranteed.
I am sure very soon those running around the streets and celebrating the military takeover in those countries will soon realise that it is a very wrong decision.”
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