Nigeria system of electioneering needs review – Onaiyekan

…..says swearing in before tribunal’s verdict makes no sense

Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, His grace, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, has advocated for a review of the system of electioneering in the nation, noting that it would produce winners who don’t have the shadow of the court lurking behind their victory.

Cardinal Onaiyekan said a situation where the court has to pass the final verdict on who won and lost an election is an anomaly, stressing that it doesn’t make sense swearing in in people when they are still in court.

Speaking during a Television programme monitored by ValidView Network on Thursday, the Cleric lamented that despite Nigeria’s attainment of independence and promises of democracy, the country’s progress is still stagnant.

“There are cases in court that have not been disposed of. That is why we are in an anomalous situation. We have a president-elect whose election is being challenged and the court is handling it,” he said.

“I’m still waiting for the court to tell me who won the election. It doesn’t make much sense to be swearing in people when they are still in court.

“I know it has happened with governors but the outcome has really not been the best of all cases. I think we need to review our election process, so we do have a winner who will be sworn in and whom everybody would rally around.

“It is a pity that it is taking longer for the court to come to its decision. My problem is that the whole system of our election must be properly reviewed so that it would be easier for winners to emerge according to the wishes of the people.

“It is not right to have a system that is constantly contested. We should find out why is every election being contested.”

“In university, I believed what we were told, that with independence, Nigeria would become like all the great nations. I have been waiting for almost 70 years now and we are still where we are. In fact, we seem not to have made much progress.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Cardinal is however hoping that the next government of the President-Elect, Bola Tinubu strives to bring change that will stop young people from leaving the country. He also said he is looking forward to what the agenda of the next government will be.

“Only those Nigeria who doesn’t want to be sincere would be looking for agenda. We are still in the same situation, any government must face those issues otherwise we can’t survive in the country. Many young boys who have energy and Nigerians are checking out of the country.

“As far as the agenda for the new government is concerned, all of us now would be watching. Is there going to be a change? Is there going to be an improvement? Will insecurity be reduced? Will schools run? Will electricity run? Will our economy improve?” he asked.