AYODELE AJANI
Peoples
Democratic Party, PDP, Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubàkar
has called on Nigerians to resist any form or shape of dictatorship.
Abubàkar who addressed a press conference at Sheu Yar’ Adua Centre, Abuja
described as an act of executive lawlessness, last week suspension of
the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu
He
took a swipe at the All Progressives Congress, APC-led government for
what he called its serial disobedience of court orders and
constitutional violations.
He
said: “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.
“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 condemnation of this unlawful act by all Nigerians, as well as
the international community.”
He
called on Nigerians to resist any shape or form of dictatorship by
ensuring that the constitution is obeyed at all times. “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.
“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,” he added. Continuing,
the PDP flag bearer said, “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.
“At
this juncture, I must warn the APC government to desist from taking
actions that may push us further down the slippery slope 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.
Those
that attended the press conference include Abubakar’ vice, Mr Peter
Obi, the PDP national chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, Benue state
Governor, Samuel Ortom and former Minister of Health, Professor
Alphonsus Nwosu, amongst others.
