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Yet again, our dear country is passing through a difficult
moment. How we react to this challenge in the following days
will determine the fate of our democracy, which has been
brought to great peril by this needless crisis engineered by a
government that is unwilling to subject its conducts to the
requirements of our constitution.
Meanwhile, I commend all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who
have expressed outrage over the unlawful removal of the Chief
Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, an action, which
constitutes a flagrant breach of our constitution and a frontal
assault on our democracy. I want to note the universal
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condemnation of this unlawful act by all Nigerians, as well as
the international community.
I need to state that this latest action by General Muhammadu
Buhari falls squarely within the pattern of executive lawlessness
that has now been firmly turned into statecraft by the APC
government.
The serial disregard of court orders, and consequent violation of
constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens
confirms beyond all doubt that General Buhari and his
government would rather obey their own whims and operate by
separate rules outside the well-established constitutional order
and the rule of law. It scarcely requires emphasis that this
behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that
of a military dictator.
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Without doubt, the fight against corruption is crucial to good
governance and the progress of our country. In this context, the
issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary
is even more crucial. As the last refuge of the common man, our
judiciary must not only be above suspicion but must also be seen
to be manifestly above board. The issue at stake is not whether
the Chief Justice is guilty or not, but whether his removal from
office has been done in accordance with the process specified in
our constitution.
As a democrat, I must say, without equivocation, that no mission
or goal, no matter how noble or well intended, should be used as
a pretext for the subversion of our democracy and our
democratic institutions. To create a condition that allows the
constitution and the rule of law to become secondary to any
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other agenda is to pave the way for tyranny. History is replete
with odious dictators whose path to dictatorship started with
statements of good intentions. We must therefore remain vigilant
in defense of our democracy.
We are all witnesses to how this government has serially
assaulted the National Assembly, a separate arm of government
that represents the bastion of our democracy. However, with this
attack on the judiciary, General Buhari has set a new precedent
in our democracy that has no equivalence in our history, not
even in the darkest days of military dictatorship. This cannot be
allowed to stand.
At this juncture, I must warn the APC government to desist from
taking actions that may push us further down the slippery slope
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towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the
electoral process. General Muhammadu Buhari must remember
that he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election. It is therefore a
matter of honour for him to allow a political environment and
process that gives confidence to everyone.
All my life, I have been a democrat and a defender of
democracy. Like all men of good conscience and patriots, I
believe this present challenge has imposed on us yet again, the
duty to rise in peaceful defense of democracy, for which so
many have laid down their lives. I also know that the surest
weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people.
Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for
democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the
people of Nigeria.
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I conclude by expressing, once again, my gratitude to the
international community for standing by us in this challenging
time. However, the primary responsibility to resist tyranny and
protect democracy in Nigeria ultimately lies with Nigerians. It is
on this note that I call on all Nigerians to seize the opportunity
of the coming general elections to vote in defense of democracy
and the rule of law.
We must vote out this anti-democratic government and restore
our country to the path of true democracy, which is the surest
way to ensure progress and prosperity for our people.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. God bless you
