SALVAGING OUR NASCENT DEMOCRACY
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| National Assembly Complex, Abuja. |
In the world today, the democratic system of governance is
accepted by all and sundry, of which governments of nations have entrenched it
in their political systems. Some weeks back, the military took over power in Burkinafaso,
which was globally condemned, with a view to returning the democratic system of
governance to civilian rule.
Our democracy which came to stay in 1999 is being threatened
by unscrupulous and disgruntled elements in the polity. The show of shame
within the precincts of the National Assembly complex on Thursday, November 20,
2014, by the men of the Nigeria Police Force and the legislators, is an
indication of the fact that we lack respect for the rule of law.
Firstly, the Police stormed the complex of the National
Assembly following reports that some thugs were coming to disrupt the session
that morning. If that was true, why was the Speaker of the House of
Representatives denied access into the complex even when he identified himself
as the Honourable Speaker?
Why didn’t the police officers order the other legislators
to identify themselves one after the other and not shut the entrance into the
complex? Was it a set-up from the Presidency?
Similarly, why were the so-called Honourables not honourable
enough to remain calm but resorted to scaling the gate leading to the National
Assembly complex? Probably they thought an impeachment process would be carried
out against Tambuwal. This is a national disgrace!
The lawmakers who signed for the impeachment of President
Goodluck Jonathan are simply being blinded by sentiments. On what ground is the
President going to be impeached? Was he the one who ordered the police to storm
the National Assembly complex?
Why do people think that the Presidency initiated the action
of the Police Force following Tambuwal’s defection from the PDP to the APC?
This notion lacks moral justification.
According to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) the President can only be impeached on the ground of
gross misconduct, that is, a violation of the provisions of the constitution.
Where has he violated the constitution? Why then is the call for impeachment?
This is indeed an abuse of office.
Regarding the Ekiti State House of Assembly, of which 7 PDP
members out of the 26 members of the State House of Assembly initiated the
impeachment of the Honourable Speaker, Dr Adewale Omirin, depicts the myopic
thinking faculty of our lawmakers. Those lawmakers should be prosecuted as
their action is unconstitutional.
We must all condemn these acts that constitute threat to our
developing democracy and save the future of our great nation.
