By Nigeria On A Slippery Slope – Atiku Abubakar
The Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP for the February 16th election, Atiku Abubakar has aired his opinion as reaction to the suspension of Walter Onnoghen as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN and instant appointment of Tanko Muhammed as the acting CJN. He referred it as unlawful removal and breach of the constitution.
He aired his opinion today Monday 28th 2019 while addressing the state of the nation in a world press conference expressing that the country is passing through a difficult moment while he commended all Nigerians and friends of Nigeria who have expressed outrage over the remover of Justice Walter Onnoghen as the CJN.
Atiku opened that the current administration has faulted on frequent occasion on the part of upholding the constitution and violated the fundamental human right provisions in the constitution.
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.
The former vice president and major contender to the current adminstration reiterated that the fight against corruption is necessary but should not be seen as violating the law.
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 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.
Atiku warned the APC government to desist from taking actions that may push the nation further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process, urging the president to remember he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election thereby honouring the political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.
BlackBox Nigeria brings you the rest of the detailed address below:
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.
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.
