As Nigeria celebrates her 60th independence anniversary, the Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) has expressed worry that the country is deeply polarised along tribal lines due largely to corrupt and weak leadership. It therefore demanded a better electoral system to restore its lost glory.

In a statement signed by its Chairperson, Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the group said that even on this auspicious occasion, “the fact is not lost on anyone the rebirth of tribalism which is rife presently in the country. Our country is pitiably polarized, and disunited along ethnic cleavages and primordial sentiments dripping with deep mutual suspicion, aggression, hatred and animosity.

“Though not the image expected of once an acclaimed giant of Africa, at 60, Nigeria cuts the image of an enfeeble nation deeply divided with deplorable state of infrastructure in almost every sector across the country.

“Nigeria is far from being the flying eagle of our dream that we aspired to be, we have now become sleeping giants to multiplicity of societal vices. The root cause which are traceable to inept and corrupt leadership as well as our wasteful and flamboyant life styles.”

The statement declared, “As a diamond jubilee gift to all Nigerians, TMG therefore in its bid to the entrenchment of democracy in the country, demands an urgent need for an electoral reform that takes cognizance of and proffer solutions to several of the old challenges that featured in previous electoral process as witnessed.

“We hereby restate the need for the unbundling of the present election management body in Nigeria by creating agencies such as Political Party Registration and Regulatory Commission and Electoral Offence Commission with a mobile court for immediate trial of electoral offenders on Election Day amongst other recommendations.

“TMG is beholden to none in its bid to ensuring that the election management body and other stakeholders carry out their responsibilities in accordance with the Law and internationally recognised standards for free, fair and credible elections.”

It further noted, “As we bask in the euphoria of diamond independence celebrations, TMG calls for sober reflection and urges the government to go back to the drawing board to chart good modality that will bring home much anticipated profits of democracy to her citizens,” adding, “ Nigerians deserve smiles on their faces again.”

The group also said: “Honouring the bond signed with the people, no stone should be left unturned by the government in ensuring entrenchment of good governance, particularly the sanctity of our electoral system must be guaranteed through responsible leadership.

“Having fought endlessly for the cause of Nigerians and against forms of oppression that have afflicted the country, TMG will continue to intervene by providing strategic direction especially in these current times of national situation by pushing for sustainable policies and legislation that will guarantee security of lives and property and economic prosperity of Nigerians.”

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