Abuja:The Acting President of the Historical Society of Nigeria, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, emphasized the importance of allowing opposition parties to operate freely as a means to strengthen democracy and promote accountability. Her remarks were made at the 71st Annual Conference and Congress of the Historical Society of Nigeria, which was held in Abuja with the theme ‘Opposition Politics in the History of Nigeria’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kwaghe noted the significance of studying opposition politics to gain insights into political competition, governance, representation, and citizen participation. She highlighted that opposition is a crucial element of a democratic political system, contributing to accountability through constructive criticism, alternative policy perspectives, legislative engagement, and public debate.
The conference aimed to explore various aspects of opposition politics in Nigeria, including its political economy, the role of women, and the legislature. Kwaghe encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange research findings, and share ideas to deepen the understanding of Nigeria’s political history.
Prof. Kyari Mohammed, the Chairman of the Occasion, stressed that opposition is essential for democracy, asserting that a government could be benevolent without being democratic. He pointed out that Nigeria’s political history has been shaped by opposition, from resistance to colonial rule to nationalist movements that fought for independence. Mohammed warned that both ruling and opposition parties could undermine democratic processes in their pursuit of power.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd.), echoed the sentiment that opposition politics is vital for promoting accountability and strengthening democracy in Nigeria. He stated that political disagreements should not be seen as disloyalty, emphasizing that competition conducted lawfully and respectfully strengthens the nation.
In a lecture, Prof. Okpeh Okpeh highlighted the contributions of the late historian, Prof. Kenneth Dike, who challenged colonial interpretations of African history. Dike’s work, along with others from the Ibadan School of History, used oral traditions and archival records to emphasize Africans’ contributions to their history. Okpeh noted that Dike’s scholarship provided an intellectual foundation for Nigerian nationalism, which gained momentum post-World War II, leading to the struggle for independence.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reported that awards were presented to several lecturers for their contributions to the Historical Society of Nigeria, alongside the unveiling of the HSN National and Regional History Competitions for primary and secondary schools.