INTERNAL DEMOCRACY IN POLITICAL PARTIES IN RIVERS STATE IS THE MOCK EXAMINATION FOR THE GENERAL ELECTIONS
The Rivers State Civil Society Organizations have noticed with sadness the lack of internal democracy in the affairs of political parties in Rivers State. Cases abound Today of questionable substitution, disqualification and reversal of nomination of previously screened and cleared candidates/delegates by powerful party leader through naked display of power, culture of impunity and disregard for fair play and laid down party laws.
This have led to party members displaying matchetes and shooting of guns in some cases that have led to heating up the polity.
It is the opinion of RIVCSO that for Democracy to gather the needed momentum and truly impact on the ordinary citizen, there is the need for political parties as the theatre for the nurturing of elective public officers, to purge themselves of the culture of impunity and anti-democratic tendencies.
RIVCSO thinks that democracy, like charity, should begin at home and political parties should begin to imbibe the culture of democracy internally and not through back door.
Absence of Internal Democracy in our political parties robs the state of competent leaders as product of injustice and undemocratic leaders can only give what they have.
RIVCSO call on political parties to promote healthy debates amongst contestants on state developmental issues ahead of the 2019 general elections.
We therefore call on Rivers people to vote out political parties that refuse to obey their own rules as such party or candidate cannot obey constitution of Nigeria.
A better Rivers State is possible.
Comrade Enefaa Georgewil
Chairman, Rivers State Civil Society Organizations
