***Warn Against One-Party Rule
At a memorial held in honour of the late elder statesman Chief Edwin Clark, former President Goodluck Jonathan issued a strong warning against the emergence of a one-party system in Nigeria, calling it a dangerous trend that could unravel the nation’s democracy.
Speaking at the Memorial Lecture and Day of Tribute in Abuja, Jonathan said that though one-party states have succeeded elsewhere under special circumstances, such systems imposed by manipulation or intimidation would backfire in Nigeria’s delicate political landscape.
“One-party rule is not automatically bad — Tanzania used it for national unity,” Jonathan said, referencing the late Julius Nyerere. “But it was not accidental or forced. If we try to impose it through the backdoor, we are playing with anarchy. It will bring confusion.”
Jonathan’s comments arrive at a time when Nigeria’s opposition parties — PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP — have seen major defections to the ruling APC, raising concerns of democratic erosion.
The former President remembered Clark as a towering figure of courage, clarity, and patriotism. “Chief E.K. Clark cannot be replaced. His legacy must be taught, not just remembered. Annual lectures like this are one way we must continue his work,” Jonathan added.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), who appointed Clark as Federal Commissioner for Information during the post-civil war era, described him as a “nation builder” who embodied the ideals of unity, rehabilitation, and reconciliation.
“Clark believed in one Nigeria. He was a strong voice for true federalism and equity. His memory should guide our leaders as they navigate these uncertain times,” Gowon said.
The keynote lecture, delivered by human rights lawyer and constitutional scholar Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, took a critical look at Nigeria’s structural challenges. Titled “Quest for Unity, Equity and Justice in Nigeria: Shall the Labour of Our Heroes Past Be in Vain?”, the lecture called for urgent reforms to Nigeria’s constitutional and electoral systems.
“Our current federalism is a fraud,” Ozekhome declared. “We need a people’s constitution, not one imposed by the military. Only through free, fair, and credible elections can we honour the labours of our founding fathers.”
He urged Nigeria to emulate China’s model of accountability, stressing that national integrity must begin with leadership values rooted in competence and selflessness, not cronyism.
Other dignitaries in attendance included 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, elder statesman Prof. Jerry Gana, former Minister John Nwodo, PANDEF Chairman Amb. Godknows Igali, and Niger Delta activist Ankio Briggs.
The event was organized by the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Clark family. Chief Clark, who passed away in February at the age of 97, will be buried in his hometown, Kiagbodo, Delta State on May 13.
The memorial ended with a renewed call to protect Nigeria’s democracy, honour the legacy of its defenders, and resist any drift toward authoritarianism masked as political unity.
