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An advocate and concerned citizen for national unity, Comrade Seyi Babaeko, has charged President Tinubu to consider dialogue, national cohesion, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) to resolve the legal battle between Nasir El-Rufai and the state.
The activist posited that the nation cannot afford to be divided against itself during this time of Economic, social, and security challenges facing the country.
Comrade Babaeko made the appeal in a press statement made available to Journalists on Tuesday in Lokoja .
Babaeko noted that the daunting challenges facing the people demand collective wisdom, national cohesion, and leadership that rises above partisan considerations in pursuit of the common good.
He said it was in view of these predicaments that all lovers of democracy should explore lawful and constitutional avenues for constructive engagement and alternative dispute resolution concerning the ongoing legal challenges involving former Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai.
He added that his appeal is neither a call for executive interference in judicial proceedings nor an attempt to diminish the independence of the courts, but a plea for dialogue, understanding, and national reconciliation.
According to him, democracy derives its strength not solely from political competition but from the capacity of leaders to manage differences, foster inclusion, and preserve national unity.
He averred that globally, the democracies that endured have often demonstrated the principle of reconciliation and dialogue to strengthen institutions more effectively than prolonged political confrontation.
“Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai remains a notable figure in Nigeria’s political landscape. Regardless of differing opinions about his views or methods, his contributions to public administration, governance reforms, and national discourse have formed part of Nigeria’s contemporary political history. At a time when the nation requires the collective contributions of experienced leaders and committed citizens, many Nigerians believe that opportunities for engagement and mutual understanding should be explored whenever possible.
The hallmarks of exceptional leadership is the ability to distinguish between what is politically advantageous and what is historically consequential. History remembers leaders not merely for the contests they won but for the divisions they healed and the unity they inspired. The most enduring victories are often those that strengthen national cohesion and reinforce confidence in democratic institutions.
“As the acknowledged leader of Nigeria’s progressive movement and a central architect of coalition politics in modern Nigeria, you have consistently demonstrated a remarkable capacity to build consensus across political, ethnic, and ideological boundaries. This unique legacy places you in a position to encourage a spirit of dialogue, mutual respect, and reconciliation among key stakeholders in the interest of national stability.
“The Nigerian people desire a political environment characterized by cooperation rather than conflict, engagement rather than estrangement, and unity rather than division. They seek a nation where disagreements are resolved through dialogue, where justice is guided by wisdom, and where national interest transcends personal or partisan considerations.
” Although the responsibilities of leadership are immense, and the expectations placed upon your administration are equally significant. Yet moments such as this offer opportunities to leave a lasting legacy of statesmanship, national unity, and democratic maturity,” He advocated.
He explained that it is only by encouraging dialogue and fostering understanding among political actors that democratic institutions would be strengthened and sustained.
He reminded the political actors that “Courageous people do not fear forgiving for the sake of peace,” adding, Nigeria’s future will prosper when leaders choose reconciliation over rancour, dialogue over division, and nation-building over political discord.
While urging the president to deploy his political assets, moral authority, and statesmanlike influence in promoting peaceful engagement, mutual understanding, and lawful mechanisms of alternative dispute resolution that may contribute to national unity, called for the respect of the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the Constitution.
