By Abiola Olawale
The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has urged African leaders to emulate the United States of America in strengthening public institutions to deepen democracy and governance on the continent.
Rafsanjani who was at the inauguration ceremony of the new US President, Joe Biden in Washington D.C, Wednesday, stated this in a statement, Thursday, where he stressed that, there was need for all African countries to develop the independent institutions that can checkmate and curtail the excess of leaders in power.
The CISLAC Executive Director also commended the US House of Representatives for impeaching former President Donald Trump, following the attack on U.S Capitol.
The statement reads, “It is necessary to note that the US Capitol invasion by Trump supporters led to his impeachment once again by members of the US House of Representatives who cited incitement of insurrection as the reason. It is worthy of note that despite the fact that Trump is the sitting President of America, he could not manipulate the electoral process. He could not also ask legislature, judiciary, security or any government institutions to do his bidding. This can only happen in a functional society where institutions are strong, independent and not just mere rubber stamp.”
CISLAC further stated that the African politicians and political parties should not play politics that will promote or incite violence.
He cited Uganda as an example of where politicians used excessive power to oppress the opposition party. He stated that if the public institutions were working properly in the country, such incidents wouldn’t have happened.
He said, “the Republican Party is the United States ruling party, did not use state institutions to influence elections despite being in power. This worthy of great emulation.”
Rafsanjani, who went on the congratulate President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on their inauguration, also urged them to uphold the rule of law and respect international agreements and treaties.
He said, “President Joe Biden must restore confidence in the role of America as the largest economy in the world which has a very significant responsibilities for the peace, security, stability and progress of the world.”
The CISLAC boss also stressed that the Biden’s administration should ensure that they build on the protocols laid down for COVID-19, to keep the people safe and healthy. He advised that the administration should focus on economic prosperity and peace.
It would be recalled that CISLAC, headed by Rafsanjani is a non-governmental, non-profit legislative advocacy, information sharing and research organization in Nigeria. The CISLAC Executive Director is also the Chairman, Board of Amnesty International Nigeria.
