Date Published: 06/15/09
PRESS STATEMENT
ENAHORO, OTHERS SET FOR NATIONAL SUMMIT
Stalwarts of the proposed Mega party in the Lagos axis have been extolled for their contributions towards the proposed Mega party and its political reform agenda.
The commendation was part of the goodwill message sent by the Convener of the Mega Summit Group, Chief Anthony Enahoro to the Electoral reform rally held in Lagos on Friday June 12, a date popularly acclaimed as Nigeria’s democracy day.
In a welcome message delivered by Mr. Wale Okunniyi, the Director of Organization of the Mega Summit Movement, the octogenarian politician, whose physical presence at the rally was said to have been prevented by doctor’s advice, commended the lagos axis of the movement for their determination to have one formidable national party that can guarantee the votes of ordinary Nigerians.
It will be recalled that about thirty five political parties and twenty five civil society groups routing for electoral reform and fusion of parties into one formidable Mega political party mobilized their members and supporters in large numbers to the rally to press for a popular electoral system in the country.
“Although I am being prevented, by medical advice, to physically join you in commemorating this year’s Democracy Day, my wish is for you keep alive the struggle for genuine political reform in Nigeria.”
The leadership of the Mega Summit Movement in collaboration with labour and civil society had earlier resolved to forward an alternative bill to the National Assembly
Enahoro also used the occasion to restate his commitment to the convocation of the proposed National Summit on the state of the nation.
“Let me also assure you that, in the days ahead, those of us, who wish to see the birth of a new political party that can usher in a better political and economic system for the country, shall be convoking a National Summit of all stakeholders to find enduring solutions to problems of the nation.”
Also speaking at the event Prof Alele Williams the first female vice chancellor and professor of Mathematics in Nigeria, who is also a member of the Uwais committee on electoral reform said the 2007 elections were the worst in the history of Nigeria.
The former Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin also lamented money bag politics in the country and counseled the proponents of the Mega Party to try and revive internal democracy and politics of ideas. She said the votes of the people will only count if the political class is determined to make INEC truly independent.
The public discourse chaired by Chief Olu Falae, a former SGF and presidential candidate of AD/ANPP ticket was attended by proponents of mega party like Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Alhaji Rasheed Adewale Shitta Bey, Chief Mrs Remi Adiukwu Bakare of PPA, Chief Adegbenga Kaka, Fifty seven state chaimen of various political parties from Northern Nigeria
The Buhari Organisation was represented by Alhaji Aliyu Murtala and the Atiku Progressive Forum by Mallam Jagboro. Alhaji Lateef Jakande and Mr Femi Falana later joined the group at a reception held at the secretariat of the movement.
Signed
Hamisu San Turaki
Media Officer, MSM
