Accountable Democracy

European Union Election Observation Mission Nigeria 2019 Genera Elections ( Recommendations) file:///C:/Users/User/Downloads/nigeria_eu_eom_2019_recommendations_list.pdf ( Source: EU Mission) Commentary "The right to vote is protected  in more than the initial allocation of the franchise.  Equal protection applies as well to the manner of its exercise" (US Supreme Court in Bush v. Gore) So this reminds us Not only to give the franchise But to ensure the secrecy of votes Respect the rights to peacefully protect the votes During and after the elections And ultimately To hold governments accountable to their promises.  © 2019. Felix O. Omosele

Breaking: Buhari Renames Abuja National Stadium After MKO Abiola https://www.vanguardngr.com/2019/06/breaking-buhari-renames-abuja-national-stadium-after-mko-abiola/ ( Source: Vanguard Newspapers) Commentary Though labelled as an "institution" you will be right to call it a person Democracy! The beauty of a people committed to a cause Or what would you say of  Thomas Jefferson? Not forgetting the enigma " Abraham Lincoln" Across the oceans, You would find Kwame Nkrumah, Jomo Kenyatta Nnamdi Azikwe, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo Time will not permit me to talk about the exploits  of Gani Fawehinmi That great man of letters But in Nigeria, one man is synonymous with a date June 12 1993! Chief MKO Abiola The President-elect Nigeria never sworn in On this day, he would forever be remembered For sustaining the institution of Democracy with his life  Happy Democracy Day Nigeria © 2019. Felix O. Omosele

"Election Tribunal dismisses petition against Buhari's Victory" https://thenationonlineng.net/updated-election-tribunal-dismisses-petition-against-buharis-victory/ ( Source: The Nation)

AIT, Raypower still breaking broadcasting code, NBC laments https://punchg.com/ait-raypower-fm-still-breaking-broadcasting-code-nbc-laments/ ( Source: Punch Newspaper) Commentary The pride of Democracy that is what they are- the Press Take away their bite then accountability would be gone The bile of a hen( the bitter part of the gall bladder) that is what it is- divisive journalism and divulging of non-court backed classified information See that in any country then its democracy would soon be in flames From Australia( the clampdown on the broadcaster "ABC") to the closure of Nigeria's AIT and Raypower Then we realize the need for a balancing Act No government should muzzle the press nor take law into its own hands Neither should any press outfit  give credence to sectarian interest above the creed of pure ethical journalistic values When all is said and done We need a new jurisprudence that balances the Act A philos...

"Algeria elections plan for 4 July 'impossible', authorities say" https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-48490312 ( Source: BBC News) Commentary Not only in Algeria But also in Sudan, Zimbabwe Gambia, Tunisia, but to mention a few The people are turning out Out in defence of democracy Where the old brigades( The Courts, Legislative Houses, etc) have failed The Courts, they will say  Is a "court of law and not of opinion from the streets" But the story is changing And the songs from the streets Is now a remix from their Lordships( the courts) A case of "Demo-ciary" in the place of "Judiciary" Let us all stand in awe! And refuse to weaken our old brigades Because if we do Demo-ciary will burn brighter And the conflagration Will be hard to extinguish. © 2019. Felix O. Omosele