Group Supports FG On Foreign Policy Anchored On Constitutionalism, Democracy
By Juliet Vincent
A non-partisan, non-governmental and non profit grassroots group with braches across northern Nigeria, Muryar Talaka Awareness Initiative (MTAI), has supported federal government’s thrown stance on Constitutionalism, Democracy and Rule of Law in Africa.
The Group made its position known in a statement signed by its National President Zaidu B. K Sabuwa and the National Secretary, Bishir D.S Unguwa Katsina while speaking on the diplomatic row with Niger Republic.
It could be recalled that the Military had taken over governments in Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, a development that pitted them against their counterparts in the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), leading to their leaving the bloc.
The group therefore called on Nigerians to guard their democratic form of governance adding that, nothing can ever take the place of Democracy, no matter what the military regimes in Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso where coup took place recently portrayed to the outside world.
According to the group, there was no basis for comparison between Nigeria and those countries as democracy remained the best form of government which allows citizens the freedom to choose their leaders at various levels of government.
It said, “Democracy operates under Constitution and the rule of law, as the Constitution represents the views and aspirations of the people where every citizen is equal before the law.
“Through Democracy, Nigerians have enjoyed basic rights and privileges recognized by the Constitution which include right to life, right to freedom of expression and the press, right to vote and be voted for, right to access justice and many other rights and privileges which may be taken for granted, but are still enjoyed by Nigerians in all parts of the country.
The group reminded that, since the dawn of the present dispensation in 1999 there was no gainsaying that fact the Nigerians had enjoyed dividends of Democracy including the provision of healthcare, education, roads infrastructure, human empowerment, enhanced agricultural practices and other benefits too numerous to mention.
It added, “It is clear that some Nigerians have forgotten the struggles and suffering which citizens were exposed to during the various military regimes that ruled the country following military coups, citizens were denied the freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, and many others were jailed without being given fair hearing or access to legal counsel. Many others were killed extra judicially without regard for their human rights.”
It therefore commended Nigeria government and the ECOWAS for their diplomatic efforts towards Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso.
It further added, “President Tinubu has sent a number of high-level delegations that included a former Head of State, traditional rulers and religious leaders to engage the military junta in talks.
“We also commend President Tinubu for the unconditional removal of ECOWAS sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso and for persuading them to come up with a timetable for the restoration of constitutional rule while efforts are on to negotiating for the release of ousted President Bazoum in Niger.”
The Group also commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar for his onerous diplomatic efforts at bringing the impasse to a close.
It stated, “Similarly, we laud the efforts of the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry under the leadership of Yusuf Maitama Tuggar which continues to diplomatically engage the governments of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso towards restoring civil rule in these countries.”
It therefore called on the federal government of Nigeria to work towards deepening democratic institutions & entrenching the democratic culture of public consultation and free & fair elections.
