Former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Ulasi, has reacted against the recent political exchange between former President Olusegun Obasanjo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, emphasising the need for civility in Nigerian political discourse.
During an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, he remarked that leadership should exhibit strategic discipline and not self-indulgence, stating that the presidential reply was far from civil, labelling it potentially dangerous.
He expressed concern over the lack of decorum in their exchanges stating “Fundamentally, I have to say that democracy, in itself, succeeds on a heavy basis of civility.”
Ulasi, while voicing disappointment with the presidency’s response to Obasanjo’s criticism, calling for more openness and accountability.
He said he would have expected the special adviser to the president on media and publicity to come out on television, “making a policy statement on behalf of the president” and answering questions from the public.
On the state of the nation, Ulasi acknowledged the challenges faced by Tinubu’s administration, especially given the difficult circumstances left by the Buhari government. “Anybody that inherited Muhammadu Buhari has to be a magician to do any better within one year,” he said, expressing uncertainty over whether Tinubu’s actions in office could be fully justified after just over a year in power.
The discussion stemmed from a lecture delivered by former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University, where he accused the Nigerian government of becoming a “failed state” under the leadership of both President Buhari and his successor, Tinubu.
Obasanjo further alleged that the Nigerian judiciary had been swayed by political influence, contributing to what he termed a significant “state capture.”
In reaction, the Nigerian presidency dismissed Obasanjo’s remarks as hypocritical, pointing to his own tenure as president and criticising him for a perceived lack of foresight during his time in office.
Meanwhile, political analyst Ulasi offered a wider perspective, noting that the historical ties between Tinubu and Obasanjo, stemming from their respective roles as governor of Lagos State and president, continue to have relevance today. Ulasi recalled the intense political struggles of over 20 years ago, highlighting the efforts made by the PDP government to wrest Lagos from Tinubu’s control.
“So, I can see a carryover of what happened some twenty-something years ago into the present dispensation,” he added.
“No government in this country can be described as pro-civil rule in court processes. They have used the court when it is convenient to him and the courts in Nigeria have made themselves available to be used,” the former PDP chairman said. “It shouldn’t be a topic of discussion by anybody blaming one party or the other cause all of them have used the Nigerian judiciary.”
Frances Ibiefo
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