By Charles Ediakhe, Benin-City
Is the Nigerian Constitution still relevant? Does the oath taken by office holders still work? These are pertinent questions in the light of what is going on in Nigeria. So many abnormalities without any counter reaction. In Britain, the prime minister and over 50 of parliamentarians recently quit their jobs based on ethics and rule of law. Here, very serious crimes involving loss of lives have been committed and not a single government official shown the door.
They all cling to their jobs as though nothing else matters. The once sacred values of life are meaningless to this crop of politicians; commitment has vanished; discipline has eroded—crushed by greed and unrestrained primordial sentiments and now the worst: insecurity! Had the Constitution been effective and the rule of law observed it is doubtful if Nigerians would have become so impoverished—at least not on this scale. The APC administration is giving governance a new name: desperadoes! For a long time, they have displayed this “I don’t care attitude” and Nigerians are stupefied.
They can’t believe what is happening. Wherever they turn, the story is the same—no help– not even a glimmer of hope. Of course when a people have been reduced to the level of providing virtually everything –light, water, food, money—for himself, then the point of no return beckons—just like reaching a crossroad! The Sri-Lankans who overran their country’s presidential palace must have been so provoked–exasperated. Hunger must have ravaged them to react in such violent manner. The raw truth is that Nigerians may not possess that kind of audacity, but frustration and near insanity might complete the job –gradually though.
It is strange but true: there is a feeling of foreboding in the air. The level of deceit is astonishing. Falsehood is peddled as if it is an integral part of governance. Who is reliable? the leaders at the Red and Green Chambers? The Judiciary? They are not working with the Constitution or the oath they swore to as guide. Look at how the two parties conducted their National Convention; prominent party members were shamelessly sidelined and see how newly crowned party chairmen senator Adamu Abdullahi and Doctor or chief Iyorchia Ayu have become an embodiment of trouble.
The APC chairman on his own tried to play costly pranks on Nigerians by ominously announcing a fake ‘candidate’ as the anointed one, to the consternation of Nigerians! Iyorchia Ayu has at last foisted Atiku Abubakar as PDP flagbearer—not withstanding that he is a Muslim. Extend that to the president himself who told Nigerians that he was going to leave a lasting legacy and now conveniently left the field for helpless Nigerians to be eaten raw by these wolves. Does this say anything about his sincerity? They behave as though Nigerians are illiterates or conquered species.
They create the impression that they are above the law and nothing can stop them from achieving their hidden agenda. They do not reckon with their integrity and character which unfortunately is an ingredient for defining leadership strength. They speak from both sides of their mouth and have no qualms! They exist in the physical yet convey the impression that they are supernatural. What has happened to the Abuja-Kaduna train captives? Have they been freed? Yet, the primary responsibility of government is to protect citizens! They are spending more than 100 days in the dungeon—with no respite.
Therein lies the paradox. How can they sustain this madness? Yet they are talking about 2023 when the foundation for that very election has been compromised. Does the presentation of Atiku Abubakar and Bola Ahmed Tinubu—both Muslims show any respect to the Nigerian plurality? Whichever way the matter is viewed the temptation is to conclude that this crop of politicians are misguided. They have allowed their personal interest to override national interest. This explains the reason why they are continually being recycled. Does it make sense to resurrect Kashim Shettima who was two-time governor of Borno State, one-time senator and now a vice presidential material? No thought is given to what the opinion out there would be; it is simply that they will swallow it!
If the Constitution was supreme and the oath of office sacred, would these fears be expressed? The answer is no. But because some powerful interest sees themselves as above the law, it doesn’t matter what happens. The once peaceful country has lost its allure. As confirmed by the Central Bank boss Godwin Emefiele, who disclosed the 81% fall in foreign investments. This is a clear indication yet that all is not well. The government of the All Progressive Congress is not giving Nigerians a sense of purpose, and now they are asking: what type of democracy is this?
A democracy that is only observed in breach but never in action. The Constitution that ought to serve as guide is openly abused. The oath of office and the Constitution are the strong pillars upon which Nations are founded; from there, the basis for truth, justice and equity is derived. That’s how growth and other necessary development occurs. Where there is no law, rule of order hardly prevails. It is amazing but the eerie feeling that envelopes the atmosphere gets thicker with the passing of everyday.
The people are peeved and worried; nothing seems crueler than the prevailing Insecurity ravaging the country. Concerned individuals have spoken out; pressure groups have been shouting at roof tops but it is not creating any impression. When the president said he is in a hurry to go recently, observers read that to mean he is tired and overwhelmed. And this is a country that prides itself as “giant of Africa”. Unless the supremacy of the Constitution and the Oath of Office is acknowledged, the slide may not abate; it is this that explains the mysteries happening today.
The APC government must show concern to the people. Or is discipline no longer part of what makes a man? how then can they promote peace and tranquility without sacrifice and character trait? Let us go back to the Constitution; therein lies the missing link—and the solution to all our problems.
