The federal government has been cautioned by the African Renaissance Movement (ARM) not to continue monopolizing the nation’s political system, as this will only encourage monopolistic economic tendencies in the political system.
Concern was also raised by the group over what it called “the dangerous consolidation of power under President Bola Tinubu, as well as his alliance with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, sustained by the alleged complicity of the National Assembly.”
A press statement signed and issued by Dr. Aliyu Audu, the Convener of the African Renaissance Movement, cautioned that a nation’s moral and spiritual fabric is crippled when opposition is silenced. The statement also noted that the exchange of diverse ideologies, the contestation of ideas, and the protection of dissenting voices are the lifeblood of a free nation.
The Tinubu-Wike coalition should be restrained, the statement warned, as it could jeopardize the balance of democracy, free speech, internal political rivalry, and inclusive governance for Nigerians.
The statement read in part, ”We have observed with growing concern the subtle but dangerous consolidation of power currently taking place under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, enabled through his strategic alliance with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and sustained by the deliberate complicity of the National Assembly and segments of the ruling class.
”Liberalization of the economy without political pluralism is an illusion. The heartbeat of a free market lies in the contestation of ideas, the exchange of diverse ideologies, and the protection of dissenting voices.
”When the political space shrinks, the economic space contracts with it. The implication is profound: not only do we lose jobs, but we also lose innovation, morale, and the soul of democratic governance.
”We warn that a monopolized political order breeds monopolistic economic tendencies. And a silenced opposition cripples the moral and spiritual fabric of a nation.
“The democratic framework that facilitates open discourse, internal political competition, and multi-party elections is not just about voting; it is the driving force behind inclusive governance, wealth redistribution, and spiritual accountability.”
According to ARM, the Tinubu-Wike axis appears to be working to “decimate the opposition and suppress civic dissent,” which would lead to a return to authoritarian rule and have a significant impact on the country’s governance, economy, and moral compass.
We urge the judiciary, media, religious and traditional leaders, civil society, and all well-meaning Nigerians to stand up within the law and protect the country’s democracy from constitutional failure and spiritual deterioration.
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