The protest by undemocratic forces within the country over the recently concluded presidential election result, and the demand for an interim Government as an alternative to the inauguration of the President-elect on the 29th of May is raising a big political question: How can an Interim National Government exist within a democratic system of government? This blog post digs deeper into this issue to explore whether it is in the best interests of Nigerians to take away the only right they have to choose who will lead them.
An interim government is a temporary government that is usually created when an election process has not yet been completed or is disrupted temporarily. It is a governing body typically established to provide stability in times of transition until the permanent government can be put into place and the full democratic process realized. The only valid justification for an interim government is when a country is experiencing political instability and violence, such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, which were in civil wars. In these cases, an interim government was necessary to provide stability and help ensure basic security until elections can be held.
In contrast, it will be illegal to install an interim government after a presidential election has taken place, a winner has been declared, and awarded a certificate by the electoral management body. Doing this would take away the right of citizens to self-governance. In a nation like Nigeria, where democracy is still evolving, the formation of an interim government can never be a proper approach. The late Sage-Chief Obafemi Awolowo understood this when he aptly declared that, “even flawed democracies fare better than unconstitutional regimes, no matter how carefully put together”.
Nigeria has given so much in its search for democracy during the past military dictatorships and oppressive regimes. To forsake constitutional government 24 years after would be a tragic injustice to those who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of democracy for Nigerians. Constitutional elections are the essence of democracy, which provides us with a framework to ensure that each voice of the citizens is heard and respected in a nation. Without these principles, we risk destroying our nascent democracy founded upon the blood of our past heroes.
The people of Nigeria must recognize that those behind such actions are only doing it for self-gains at the expense of the stability and peace of the nation. Rather than resorting to an interim government, all well-meaning Nigerians should take part in preserving and upholding our hard-earned democracy by respecting the result of the presidential election as declared by INEC and try to resolve any election disputes through accepted legal channels rather than seeking to rubbish the decisions of an important democratic institution. Doing this will safeguard our hard-earned democracy and ensure that Nigeria remains firmly on the path of advancing its young democracy.
Nigerias’ stability and future are being threatened by powerful sinister forces who are attempting to force unjust governance on the country through undemocratic means. Nigerians must resolutely stand against this reckless disregard for democratically established processes and safeguard the democratic values as enshrined in the constitution. Any attempt to subvert or manipulate the legitimate election process should not be tolerated, but strongly resisted by all Nigerians who value their liberties.
Noticeably, insidious forces are out to truncate democracy in Nigeria by actively exploiting economic hardship, ethno-religious divides, and the spread of lies about the presidential election result to deceive the public into creating chaos through violent demonstrations. Except decisive action is taken now in defense of our nascent democracy, it may stifle our chance for progress as a nation, and cast us all into 24 years of backwardness.
In a constitutional democracy such as ours, replacing a president elected through democratic means with another undemocratic interim government will amount to bypassing the scope of Nigeria’s constitution to set up a temporary governing body by those who has master the game of holding on to power by perfidy. This is an illegality that will put democracy at risk, spark conflict, and eventually endanger both individuals and future democratic processes in the country.
The illegality of an interim government is further underlined by its lack of accountability, which may create opportunities for tyranny. Those appointed into such a government could take oppressive measures with impunity and disregard important principles like separation of powers or checks and balances, which are essential parts of any functioning democracy. Ultimately, this would put citizen’s rights at risk and could destabilize the political system for years to come.
An interim government runs the risk of causing deep divides in the country, and these divisions can often lead to unrest that could manifest itself as violence or other forms of chaos. Such volatile environments also could enable leaders within these Interim Governments to take advantage of their positions for personal gains or other selfish interests that will run counter to the public good-leaving citizens vulnerable and powerless.
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Consequently, Nigerians should not allow themselves to be fooled into an interim government that is contrary to the constitution of the land. Our country needs to stick with constitutional principles and representative governance as laid out in our laws – it is only this that can fetch the nation more development than any impromptu alternative.
In addition, establishing an interim government could also set a dangerous legal precedence for future elections. Any defeated presidential candidate only needs to claim that the election process is imperfect and unacceptable, and start a protest that will demand for an interim government. A legal challenge against such actions would likely result in unfavorable rulings since there is precedence to justify his claim and prayer.
Without a doubt, any attempt to install an interim government could have far-reaching consequences. It will not only go against the law, but it will also put our much-cherished democratic values and democratic institutions in jeopardy. It will sooner or later become an alternative to judicial actions. Instead of taking this path that is fraught with danger and uncertainty, aggrieved candidates should explore the established constitutional means for addressing electoral grievances to ensure the stability of our democracy without sacrificing justice.
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Considering the recent demand for interim government by undemocratic elements within the nation, it seems there is no longer any tangible respect for the constitution that prescribes how to choose our leaders. Democracy is based on the principle that citizens have the right to select their representatives that will serve them. The illegality of an interim government is entrenched in the fact that it undermines this democratic right, and such agitation shows total disrespect for citizens’ right to choose their representatives and shape their future.
Definitely, an interim government is a dishonest approach that doesn’t represent the interests of the population. It will only create discord among the larger society and threatens to tear the country apart. On the other hand, constitutional democracy offers Nigerians a chance to create a fair and equal society. It will protect citizens’ rights and allow electorates to play an active role in deciding the future they want for themselves. Nothing could be more empowering than having the chance of self-governance.
Conclusively, Nigerians hold the key to a prosperous nation if they can take control of their democratic destiny in order to sustain their hard-earned democracy. This blog post, therefore, calls upon Nigerians to reject any suggestion to install an interim government. Our action must inspire our countrymen to reject retrogressive ideas in favor of progressive ones. Only then can we sustain our nascent democracy and pave the way for a true democratic success story. Therefore, fellow citizens, be proactive in promoting a just society that works for everyone by sharing this insight with others online to create awareness!
Idowu E. Faleye, a certified Data Analyst, Political Activist, and writer, is a graduate of Politics & Public Administration. He’s the Founder/Chief Data Officer at EphraimHill Data Blog–a Data Reporting Site that is niche in Politics & Society. He can be reached at +2348132100608. or ephraimhill01@gmail.com
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