Ekweremadu seeks party reforms to strengthen democracy

Delivering a public lecture yesterday  in Enugu entitled, “ Key Governance Issues in Nigeria: My Perspective”, to mark the 54th Founder’s Day of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,   Ekweremadu said political parties in Nigeria are “perilously close to ruin” since leaders have ignored the democratic imperatives to enthrone internal democracy.
“Leaders, well-connected private citizens in the narcissistic pursuit of hegemony ignore democratic imperatives, especially the need to enthrone internal democracy. Activities of party leaders convey, not a lesson in party administration, but a sad story about the state of the nation’s democracy and political development. It is dangerous to continue  to gloss over the problems caused by the excesses of party leadership and some elected  officials,” he said.
Effectively organized political parties can significantly aid the nation’s democratic process, he said, adding that politics would be improved upon in the country if the roles and responsibilities of political parties are strengthened in ways that would increase grassroots participation.
 “So long as political parties remain representative and viable, the system will provide a reassuring degree of stability and continuity”, he said.
On the arrogance of the political leadership, he said: “Sometimes it leads to reckless disregard for the welfare of citizens. Sometimes, it moves leaders to ignore democratic imperatives of restraint and respect for the rule of law. Far too often, it inspires intolerance and disdain for those with opposing or contrary views. Democracy thrives when citizens freely review government policies and programmes, criticize them and offer new or better ideas.”