Follow Us on Google
By Chukwuma Umeorah
The leadership National Democratic Coalition, (NADECO) USA, has said that it would not be used to serve the interest of any political figure but that it would stick to the values of democratic growth and good governance for the Nigerian people.
In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of NADECO USA, David Adenekan, the leadership of the coalition also distanced itself from the activities and ideals of one ‘NADECO Renewal Group’ in Nigeria led by Chief Ayo Opadokun.
Adenekan noted that it had become imperative to clarify the media and the public on the issue to avoid misconception about the activities and tenets of the coalition.
He added that although NADECO USA was founded by the same individuals who had earlier in 1994 formed NADECO in Nigeria as a direct consequence of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, it has since remained Nigeria’s premiere and foremost pro-democracy organization in the United States of America.
Adenekan however made it clear that NADECO USA is not at media war with any organization that has borrowed the acronyms; meaning NADECO called “NADECO RENEWAL” as he suggested the latter may be built to serve certain political interests.
“NADECO is not a political tool to be used by politicians in Nigeria and it will never align itself with any group whose sole purpose to acquire personal gains. NADECO USA stands for democratic growth and good governance for the Nigerian people.
For the sake of posterity, we unequivocally say that we are not in any way part of the organizational structure of Chief Ayo Opadokun-led “NADECO RENEWAL.”
Adenekan further explained that NADECO USA is in tandem with the democratic values, philosophy and vision of the founding fathers of the NADECO that was formed in the 90’s which yielded positive results, regardless of the shortfall in our democracy.
“It has become imperative to get the record straight that NADECO USA is an offshoot of the NADECO that was founded by the likes of Chief Ndubisi Kalu, Rtd Air Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Dr. Bekolari Ransome Kuti, Chief Alex Ibru (Publisher of Guardian Newspaper), Alhaja Kudurat Abiola (wife of late Basorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola), Chief Ralph Obioha, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Kokori.
Others are Pa. Abraham Adesanya, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alao Aka Bashorun, Pa. Edwin Clark, Baba Omojola, Pa Reuben Fasanranti, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Olu Falae, Chief Supo Sonibare, Senator Kofoworola-Bucknor Akerele.
He added that, “NADECO USA is Nigeria’s premiere and foremost pro-democracy organization in the United States of America as our independence, political and ethnoreligious neutrality have remained the cornerstone of its development and influence in the global arena.”
