The Ijaw People's Development Initiative (IPDI) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration to hand over power to the military, claiming that Nigeria's democratic system has failed to deliver meaningful governance.
IPDI National President, Comrade Austin Ozobo, made this controversial statement during an interview in Warri on Wednesday, coinciding with Nigeria's Democracy Day celebrations on June 12.
"The democratic system of government being practiced by the country has not favoured the nation in any way," Ozobo stated, adding that democracy "has failed in all its ramifications" in Nigeria.
Rising Insecurity and Corruption Concerns
The group pointed to widespread corruption, kidnappings, and banditry as evidence of democratic failure. Ozobo specifically characterized the ongoing killings and banditry in Northern Nigeria as "political" in nature.
"Funny enough, the leadership does not have the political will to combat banditry," the human rights activist remarked, suggesting that a military government might be better positioned to address these challenges.
Citing Mali as an example, Ozobo argued that "military government is needed at the moment to set a standard and move the country forward."
Economic Concerns Highlighted
The IPDI leader expressed alarm over Nigeria's debt profile, claiming the country "is indebted to the tune of 144.86 trillion naira," while President Tinubu allegedly seeks to borrow an additional 36.15 trillion naira.
Ozobo also criticized the Nigerian Senate as being "just like a rubber stamp" that fails to advocate for citizens' interests.
The statement comes amid Democracy Day celebrations across Nigeria, marking the anniversary of the June 12, 1993 elections, widely considered the country's freest and fairest polls before their annulment plunged Nigeria into political crisis.
As of press time, there has been no official response from the presidency regarding these demands.
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