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Nigerian minister advises over Levy's succession process

Nigerian minister advises over Levy's succession process
By Maluba Jere
Thursday September 04, 2008 [04:00]

NIGERIAN foreign affairs minister Ojo Maduekwe has advised Zambians to handle the succession process of President Levy Mwanawasa within the rule of law. During a media breakfast at the Nigerian High Commissioner's residence on Tuesday, Maduekwe said Zambia had gained the reputation of upholding good governance and democracy by holding transparent elections and that this should be maintained.

Maduekwe was in the country to attend President Mwanawasa's burial yesterday on behalf of Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. He said in a democracy, disputes were normal and healthy but that no matter the intensity of the struggle for power, there was need to continue adhering to democratic principles.

"Since Zambia has set a standard of good governance, upholding the rule of law and holding free and fair elections in Africa, you have no choice but to remain a sanctuary of all these attributes," he said. "The democratic framework must be respected and sustained and you must do this within the framework of the laws of Zambia."

Maduekwe also paid tribute to President Mwanawasa for his role in ending the political impasse in Zimbabwe.

He said President Mwanawasa did not only provide leadership to Zambia, but Africa as a whole.

Maduekwe, who expressed his condolences to Zambia, urged the people to celebrate late President Mwanawasa's statesmanship even as they mourn him.

"We the people of Nigeria are mourning with Zambia. But the period of mourning must also be a period of celebrating Dr Mwanawasa's excellence, leadership and statesmanship," he said. "I wish to express my condolences to Zambia and ask for God's blessings in this difficult period. I would like to urge you to reflect on the life and time of President Mwanawasa. I congratulate you for having produced a great leader."

Maduekwe further urged whoever would take over from President Mwanawasa to continue rising high in providing leadership in Africa and beyond.

He also urged other African leaders to find an early, apprehensive and honourable democratic solution to the political impasse in Zimbabwe, saying that was one way they could honour President Mwanawasa.

Maduekwe also commended SADC leaders for their efforts in resolving the impasse in Zimbabwe, adding that it would be unfair for anyone to state that the efforts were in vain.

"We should be generous enough to acknowledge that considerable progress has been made in resolving the impasse," he said. "Thanks to the leadership of President Mwanawasa for his consistency and Thabo Mbeki as the chief facilitator. Whatever impasse that exists must be seen against the background of progress made and we need to honour President Mwanawasa by removing whatever difficulties remain in resolving the impasse. It can't be otherwise because President Mwanawasa labelled these issues strongly."

Maduekwe added that it was not enough to say that Africa was capable of dealing with its own problems but that it should be demonstrated through democratic means such as holding elections.

"Africa has come of age and is capable of dealing with our own problems, we don't need instructions from outside but this has to be demonstrated. It's not enough to say we are capable, we should organise ourselves better," said Maduekwe. "This we can do by participatory democracy and conducting transparent elections."

Labels: MMD, MWANAWASA, PRESIDENCY

posted by MrK @ 5:39 PM