Founding National Secretary of Alliance for Democracy, Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, has expressed grave concerns about the state of liberal democracy in Nigeria, warning that it is “under severe and sustained threat.”
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Udenta highlighted the disturbing trend where “labour leaders are branded terrorists,” the media is “hounded,” and dissent is “criminalised and demoralised.”
He further emphasised that the situation has worsened with “journalists being detained” and “bank accounts frozen at will,” signalling a significant erosion of democratic values in the country.
Udenta described the current state of the nation as “awful,” noting that Nigeria is experiencing an existential crisis of significant magnitude.
He warned that the country is witnessing a “steady erosion” of democratic values, particularly in the last 15 months. Udenta stressed the importance of safeguarding elements of democracy, such as multiparty governance, constitutional rule, a free press, and civil liberties, which are under threat.
He criticised recent statements by the Vice President and Attorney General, who spoke of the government’s willingness to permit dissent and press freedom.
Udenta argued that it is not the government’s role to “permit freedom or civil liberty,” as the constitution already guarantees these rights.
Udenta expressed concern about the nation’s transition without a clear direction, warning that Nigeria might be on the path toward an authoritarian order. He emphasised that the “coercive apparatuses of the state” are being used not to protect citizens, but to safeguard the government of the day.
According to him, the nation’s security should focus on building human infrastructure in health, education, and sustainable living.
He also criticised the President’s response to the #EndBadGovernance protests, stating that it lacked key elements such as a convening order, intervention order, and proclamation order.
Udenta argued that the President’s policies would fail due to a lack of meaningful dialogue with the political elite.
Finally, Udenta called for the restructuring of the country based on a new constitutional order, which he believes requires dismantling the current constitution and parliament.
He concluded by emphasising the need for an empowered civil society and media to hold the political class accountable.
Nneoma Udensi
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