When the opposition is docile!
The voice of the opposition is no doubt a sine qua non for democracy to thrive. In real terms, the minority constitutes a necessary ingredient of democracy; in essence, democracy is not complete without the participation of the minority.
Our country has gone through thick and thin to espouse the tenets of democracy, including the very undemocratic ten years of armed struggle that left an indelible dark chapter of brutal killings, maiming, rape and arson in the minds of generations yet unborn, across the length and breadth of our beloved country.
The business of the opposition is to present a formidable alternative to the Government in power. In Britain, it is called a “Shadow Government” in which every Secretary of Government is closely monitored by a parallel opposition Secretary in the formulation and implementation of Government policies, processes and procedures.
The efficiency and pragmatism of the opposition in checking the workings of Government unquestionably contribute significantly to service delivery, and therefore, help to enhance democracy, peace and Good Governance. Therefore, the absence of an effective opposition is indeed a threat to the pillars and anchors of democracy; and a recipe for bad governance, which fertilizes the germination and growth of despotic regimes and tyranny.
We observe with acute attentiveness and concern that the Government of the day is having a field day in the absence of a responsible and vocal opposition.
We note that opposition parties are overwhelmed with intra- partisan intrigue and endless litigation, playing into the drag-net of the ruling party, and much to the detriment of our nascent democracy.
Very little, if anything, is being articulated by the opposition against governance extremity or tendency to be extreme. This apparent docility of the opposition does not augur for a fledgling democracy.
We are calling on the opposition to step up for the salvation of democracy; they should reflect the fact that the voiceless and helpless depend on them for the articulation of their aspirations and needs. The death of the opposition is the death of democracy!
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