Political Briefs
I write to you with the highest sense of humility and respect for your exalted office. Lack of democratic ethos is now the blight of your presidency. Nigerians voted for social democracy, democratic ethos, strong institutions to power the “Change” you vowed to give to us.
Nigerians didn’t vote for blame game, which has become the hallmark of your administration since inception and may not abate till 2019 when your first term will constitutionally elapse. God and Nigerians will decide your second term bid come 2019 and no amount of brute force, collaboration, compromise and the so-called scientific rigging aided by any agency can stop God and Nigerians from deciding their future afresh from 2019.
Your administration’s much peddled and flaunted fight against corruption has long become a persecution and intimidating machine against the opposition, divergent views and perceived enemies. Even members of the All Progressives Congress are so scared to speak out or engage the administration with constructive criticisms. Rather, they participate in unbridled sycophancy and nauseating blame game against the Peoples Democratic Party’s 16 years in government whereas endemic corruption existed prior to the PDP years in government and during your time as the military Head of State.
Any fight against corruption ought to better the lot of Nigerians but unfortunately Nigerians are worse off, with prices of food items and other basic articles at very exorbitant rates hence Nigerians are hungrier like never before! To fight corruption at the detriment of the well-being of Nigerians and the economy is inexplicable and unacceptable. The people will never be happy with a government that foists poverty on them.
Insecurity remains a bigger challenge. Herdsmen killings notably perpetrated by the Fulani; to say that these killers are not Nigerians from the North is a crime against humanity.
The militarisation of democracy and democratic institutions especially the National Assembly is most shameful and reminds Nigerians of your days as the military Head of state. Where is the change from military dictatorship to social democracy?
The APC is now a protection glove for top flying corrupt politicians and certificate forgers yet this is a political party that prides itself as fighting corruption. Some have defected to the APC to enjoy protection.
The police and the DSS have been turned into a a witch-hunt tool and machine against divergent opinions. These national security institutions are used by politicians and government in power to rig elections thereby truncating the people’s conscience, mandate and national security. One day or sooner than later, Nigerians will be forced to say, enough is enough, and this will be unprecedented. Nobody is fighting corruption in the police, the DSS, army, immigration, customs among others except via lip service.
The desperation to remove the Senate leadership is mind-boggling hence the National Assembly invasion and blockade which has exposed Nigeria to international ridicule and odium.
Donald Trump, the President of the most powerful nation on earth, cannot order the FBI to invade the American Senate and the head of the FBI will comply. The FBI boss will never comply to such a directive because the agency is constitutionally independent and can even investigate the President for such an order.
Nigerians are not interested in the removal of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy. Instead, they are fanatically interested in the change you promised them. Let Senator Saraki be and give Nigerians the change you assured us.
Besides, the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, is talking too much and overheating the polity. Kindly caution him forthwith!
I hereby once again charge and advise you to submit to the constitution, which is the cardinal and supreme law that does not only birth and lay foundation to the rule of law in Nigeria but also demands the outright and unconditional conformity and application from all organs of government and all authorities and persons exercising legislative, executive and judicial powers.
Section 1, subsection 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) stipulates that: “This constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Subsection (2) also affirms that, “The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”
Sequel to this, the constitution is the most self-regulating and independent mechanism which confers authority and power to the government through its citizens in the exercise of its functions and duties. Thus, Chapter II, Section 14, subsection (1 & 2), sub-paragraph (a) stipulates thus:
(1). The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a State based on the principles of democracy and social justice.
(2). It is hereby accordingly declared that –
(a). Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority.
More so, the well-being of the citizens of Nigeria is absolutely captured, provided for and secured by the constitution. In the same Chapter 2, Section 14, subsection ( 1 & 2), Sub-paragraph (b & c), it is also stated that,
(b). the Security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government; and
(c). the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria has held in a plethora of judicial authorities that where ever the word “Shall” is used, it connotes “Mandatoriness” with regard to its effective application”. (See ABUBAKAR V. NASAMU (2012) 2 KLR 479 at 499 Para E.)
The Latin maxim “Salus Populi Ex Supre Ma Lex” explores the objective interpretation that the welfare of the citizens of any country is the supreme law of the land.
I therefore submit that the sole responsibility of every visionary leader is that he must rule with empathy and emotional intelligence towards raising the welfare and standard of living of the citizens. A leader should grasp and take responsibilities where others see excuses, see possibilities in every situation where others see limitation.
Thank you Mr. President.
Yours Respectfully,
- Sean F. Kennedy Akaolisah,
Akaolisah is a legal practitioner and advocate for social justice. 08033409218.
Tags: Open letter to President Buhari
