The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has described remarks attributed to a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Kenneth Okonkwo, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu can now “rule Nigeria with the army” following a Supreme Courtroom verdict regarding the emergency rule in Rivers State, as “reckless and deceptive”.
The celebration stated such remarks by Okonkwo weren’t solely false but additionally “intellectually dishonest”, stressing that Supreme Courtroom verdicts will not be army decrees.
Mogaji Seye Oladejo, spokesman of the state arm of the celebration, stated the Supreme Courtroom didn’t droop democracy in Rivers State however merely interpreted the regulation as empowered by the Nigerian Structure.
In a press release he signed, Oladejo stated that in a constitutional democracy, court docket selections could disappoint political actors, however they’re binding on all.
Based on Oladejo: “A Supreme Courtroom judgment is the best expression of constitutional authority in a democracy. It’s neither a army fiat nor an government directive. To intentionally conflate a judicial verdict with army rule is to both misunderstand the essential workings of democracy or to willfully mislead the general public for partisan ends.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, opposite to the alarmist narrative being peddled, has neither sought nor exercised extra-constitutional powers. His democratic credentials are effectively established. He was a frontline opponent of army dictatorship, a sufferer of repression, and a contributor to the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria. The suggestion that such a pacesetter would now govern by army proxy is as absurd as it’s insulting.
“What is clear from Mr. Okonkwo’s commentary is a well-known opposition reflex: when the courts don’t validate their political expectations, they try to delegitimise the judiciary and sow concern among the many populace. This sample of crying dictatorship at each unfavourable verdict is irresponsible and harmful.
“Extra troubling, nonetheless, is the truth that this model of anti-democratic rhetoric and the sheer promotion of anarchy now look like the default response of the opposition to constitutional setbacks. This constitutes the one best hazard to our nascent democracy. When political actors intentionally undermine confidence within the courts and demonise lawful authority, they weaken the very foundations of the republic they declare to defend.”
Oladejo famous that Nigeria stays a constitutional democracy ruled by legal guidelines, establishments and the separation of powers.
He stated: “The army is beneath civilian management as prescribed by the Structure, and there was no motion, directive or coverage beneath President Tinubu that implies in any other case.”
The Lagos APC known as on all well-meaning Nigerians, democrats and patriots to sentence what it described as a brand new low from the opposition in its entirety.
“Supreme Courtroom verdicts are devices of justice, not devices of tyranny. They strengthen democracy; they don’t destroy it,” he added.
