₦airaland Forum

Obi had, in a post on his X handle, suggested that the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, now appears more democratic than some individuals who fought for democracy during the military era.

A n international human rights lawyer and former member of the House of Representatives, Kayode Oladele, has faulted a recent statement made by the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, describing it as naive, reckless and a distortion of Nigeria’s democratic history.

Obi had, in a post on his X handle, suggested that the late Head of State, Sani Abacha, now appears more democratic than some individuals who fought for democracy during the military era.

Reacting in a statement on Friday, Oladele said there was no basis for comparing a military dictatorship with a democratic system, noting that the Abacha regime represented one of the darkest periods in Nigeria’s political history.

He said, “There is nothing democratic about the Abacha years. That era was characterised by repression, violation of human rights, and the silencing of opposition voices. To suggest otherwise is to ignore the painful experiences of Nigerians who lived through that period.”

Oladele also defended the legacy of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), describing its members as patriots who sacrificed their comfort and safety to restore democracy after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

According to him, “The men and women of NADECO stood firmly against military rule at great personal cost. Many were detained, harassed, or forced into exile. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the democracy we enjoy today, and it is wrong to diminish their contributions.”

The human rights lawyer who was once forced into exile by Abacha junta expressed concern over what he described as the growing trend of making sensational statements for political relevance, stressing that public figures must exercise restraint and responsibility in their comments.

He added that Nigeria’s democracy, though not perfect, guarantees fundamental freedoms that were absent under military regimes, including freedom of speech, association, and political participation.

Oladele said, “Our democracy is a product of years of struggle and sacrifice. While there are challenges, it remains far better than any form of military rule.

We must not allow careless remarks to distort history or undermine the progress we have made.”

He urged political leaders to focus on providing solutions to national challenges rather than engaging in what he termed revisionist narratives.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter Obi had not issued any further clarification on the statement.

Oladele, however, called on Nigerians to remain committed to democratic ideals and to reject any attempt to glorify authoritarian rule or diminish the sacrifices of those who fought for the nation’s freedom.

Putindbutt:
For spitting on NADECO, the entire SW and SW Governors are supposed to be declaring that fraud a personal non grata in the SW. He should be banished for life on SW soil.

Putindbutt:
For spitting on NADECO, the entire SW and SW Governors are supposed to be declaring that fraud a personal non grata in the SW. He should be banished for life on SW soil.

Putindbutt:
I wish Tinubu could just exhibit a little bit of Abacha. I wish someone could just disappear permanently for expressing his views against the Government of Asiwaju Tinubu just as Abacha did to his opposition.

Atleast to prove that Abacha was more democratic than Tinubu, make that fraud just disappear forever, make dem no see am again for all his chochocho e dey talk against Tinubu since over two years.

Make Tinubu show am Abacha colour small, just small colour make e body for calm down. Make e family take see first hand wetin opposition suffer for Abacha hand.

Putindbutt:
I wish Tinubu could just exhibit a little bit of Abacha. I wish someone could just disappear permanently for expressing his views against the Government of Asiwaju Tinubu just as Abacha did to his opposition.

Atleast to prove that Abacha was more democratic than Tinubu, make that fraud just disappear forever, make dem no see am again for all his chochocho e dey talk against Tinubu since over two years.
Wonders shall never end
You wish
As per what
Speaking as who or what

Apc supporter
Or
Patriotic Nigerian

Make Tinubu show am Abacha colour small, just small colour make e body for calm down. Make e family take see first hand wetin opposition suffer for Abacha hand.

yarimo:
Peter obi always speak like a fool

Putindbutt:
For spitting on NADECO, the entire SW and SW Governors are supposed to be declaring that fraud a personal non grata in the SW. He should be banished for life on SW soil.

Putindbutt:
I wish Tinubu could just exhibit a little bit of Abacha. I wish someone could just disappear permanently for expressing his views against the Government of Asiwaju Tinubu just as Abacha did to his opposition.

Atleast to prove that Abacha was more democratic than Tinubu, make that fraud just disappear forever, make dem no see am again for all his chochocho e dey talk against Tinubu since over two years.

Make Tinubu show am Abacha colour small, just small colour make e body for calm down. Make e family take see first hand wetin opposition suffer for Abacha hand.

SeverusSnape:
I follow spit on NADECO, I SPIT ON TUluMbU and his gang of thieves too. Make una do Una worse.

A cursed and disgraceful country indeed...

Putindbutt:
For spitting on NADECO, the entire SW and SW Governors are supposed to be declaring that fraud a personal non grata in the SW. He should be banished for life on SW soil.

SeverusSnape:

This comment is so funny. Obi should be banished for life, but bandits and terrorists are wholeheartedly welcome (to SW) to do as they like. See gutter reasoning.