•Recommend ways to check their excesses
The doctrine of Separation of Powers in a constitutional democracy is designed to keep the three branches of government separate and serve as checks and balances. It is a theoretical framework meant to help and ensure that leaders and operators of the various institutions of government do not allow their selfish interests to override public interest and the common good.
But in Nigeria, impunity has become the second nature of our elected leaders both in the executive and the legislature. They believe and act as if they are above the law of the land.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari withdrew $1bn from the Excess Crude Account from which he spent $496m to purchase Tucano aircraft without first seeking the approval of the National Assembly in accordance with the law.
In the present political dispensation, the Presidency, under Bola Tinubu, bought new presidential jet even when there was a general public outcry against it in view of the hardships in the country.
The President, leading the executive arm of government, has always interfered with the selection process of the leadership of the National Assembly by ensuring the emergence of his anointed candidates as presiding officers who would do his bidding. He feels it is too risky to let members of the National Assembly decide who should lead them. Having a puppet leadership of the National Assembly means bad governance. It also means that the very essence of checks and balances has been defeated and the results will be tyranny and dictatorship.
At the state level, most governors run their states as personal fiefdoms and they have absolute power to control the resources and the politics in their states. They pocket their State Houses of assembly and turn the local governments into moribund appendages of state governments. Despite the poor revenue situation of some states, the flamboyant lifestyle of their governors is obscene, the trademark of most of them is a long convoy of the latest models of exotic cars while some of them always charter private jets to travel outside the state. While many of the governors owe their workers years of salary and pension arrears, they use the resources of their states to acquire personal property not only in Nigeria but also across the globe at the detriment of the people they are supposed to serve.
Also, the impunity displayed by the police who are constitutionally mandated to provide security during elections is an unfortunate feature of our electoral process. The police not only provide cover for corrupt electoral officials to falsify election results but they also actually cart away ballot boxes to the bewilderment of helpless voters. In Nigeria, the President controls the military, INEC, judiciary and the legislature at the national level. It is the same in the states where governors reign supreme.
Nigerians are therefore outraged at the recklessness of their leaders. They argue that the nation is under civil rule but not practising democracy. They are demanding that to curtail the excesses of their elected leaders, there is an urgent need for a constitutional amendment that will strengthen our institutions. They also resolved that it is time for them to unite and rise up to say enough is enough”.
Constitutional amendment necessary to guarantee rule of law—INC President, Prof Okaba
Prof Benjamin Okaba, President Ijaw National Congress, INC, said: “The fraudulent, insensitive and irresponsible attitude and appetite of Nigerian State actors from the National to the Local Government tier of governance account for why this nation has remained perpetually but unfortunately backward in all the ramifications of modern civilization and development, in spite of our natural endowments. To change this ugly condition appears almost impossible because of its systemic deep seated nature. However, the few, especially stakeholders like us who do not subscribe to these abnormalities, must first rise up to the occasion to challenge the prevalent repugnant status quo and recommend pragmatic reversal measures.
For me these include a serious constitutional amendment that will guarantee the rule of law and strengthen our institutions that can address impunity and abuse of power at all levels and sectors of governance and public life. Now that it has become obvious that mass poverty has become a veritable instrument of the state to elicit forced loyalty, individuals and well meaning private sector drivers should focus on poverty alleviation and public enlightenment programs, particularly on the choice of the character and capacity of who leads them. To hold our leaders accountable requires so much from all citizens, irrespective of tribe or religion. This consciousness is a sine qua non for development of our dear nation.”
We need a new constitution that will democratize the processes —Obong Attah
Also speaking, former governor and acclaimed father of modern Akwa Ibom state, Obong Victor Attah said: “the simple answer is, give us a new constitution that will democratize the processes.”
Reminded that the nation is presently practicing democracy and the challenge was rather about the President and governors acting with impunity, “Attah differed, saying, “we are under civilian rule but not under a democracy.”
Nigerians are on tenterhooks —Elder Ambakederimo
Elder Joseph Ambakederimo, Convener, South South Reawakening Group said: “Nigeria and Nigerians are on tenterhooks. Today, if you ask anyone to point to or identify who can be referred to as the father of the new Nigeria, no one person fits the bill to be called one. In fact, there is no new Nigeria yet therefore we cannot even mention anyone as the progenitor of a new Nigeria.
The leadership selection process is faulty and until we set for ourselves a pattern that will bolster and invigorate our inner consciousness for genuine nationalist agenda things will not change for the better. No one is held to account in Nigeria, there is so much impunity at all levels of government. The governors are tin-gods with a stubborn economic mentality, bereft of innovations and new ways of doing things that are not commonplace in the states. The states are weak economically and when the states are weak economically the center remains weak.
The set of leaders we have now are mediocre and charlatans that cannot be seen as redeemers therefore the people themselves must as a deliberate effort be prepared to re-orientate themselves to understand the metrics of governance and get involved in governance real time. We must engage in a national value rebirth initiative in a revolutionary manner which will set the path to rebirth of a new Nigeria.”
Remove immunity clause from the constitution –Akpan
Saviour Akpan, the Executive Director, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peace-building on his part said: “First, amend the constitution to remove the immunity clause as contained in Section 308. Secondly, enthrone true federalism that will reduce the powers at the centre through constitutional amendment. Also, make the recall process of elected representatives less cumbersome for the citizens and give jurisdiction to the State High Court to hear such cases as of right. The citizenry should further be sensitized on their rights and responsibilities and ensure compliance no matter who is involved in breaking such laws.”
Electoral system should be strengthened —Robinson, PANDEF Publicity Scribe
Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Ken Robinson, asserted: “The first thing to do is to strengthen the electoral system. When the electoral system and other related institutions are strengthened, the electoral body would be truly independent, people will be able to vote and decide who they want to serve them. And when those elected know their constituents can recall them if they don’t perform well, some of these things will just fade out. Also, voter enlightenment is very important, the electorate who are largely in the rural communities need to be enlightened. The media has a role to play, community leaders like us and Civil Society Organizations have roles to play.
Those who have power to draw people out to protest on the streets of Nigeria have a role to play too. It’s not just condemning and criticizing, but actually mobilizing and sensitizing our people on the right path. Let’s begin to tell Nigerians to do things differently on election day and usher in a government that will serve us; that the N10,000, N20,000 they collect from politicians on election day and voting for people who will not perform well will not solve the hunger and hardship”.
There is a need for complete overhauling of the system —Morris
Alagoa Morris, environmentalist and former chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, Bayelsa State said: “It has since been observed that the social institutions which ought to be the strong supporting pillars of society are not only weak in our clime; but in a state of comatose. Unfortunately, the weak and comatose institutions have given rise to strong individuals who are sailing in the different aspects of corruption. Until we call a spade a spade, this nation will continue chasing shadows; a fleeting illusion that can never be attained. So, there is a need for a referendum, let an all ethnic nationalities’ gathering be convened with a view to reviewing the basis of our continued existence; whether the rot in society should be allowed to continue. Hope is getting thinner by the day. The National Assembly and State Assemblies cannot be absolved from culpability.
The electorate, judiciary and electoral bodies (INEC) are all part of the problem. So, there is a need for complete overhauling of the system. Young, intelligent youths with character should be part of this nation’s soul searching endeavour, for the survival and positive development of the nation. Impunity thrives because individuals are more powerful than the institutions here, owing to corruption. We do not need strong individuals who brag about how powerful they are if the country must make good progress.”
We must unite to demand accountability from our leaders —Comrade Aborisade
Comrade Femi Aborisade, Human Rights Activist, said “I condemn the alarming actions of our political leaders at both the federal and state levels. Going back to the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, the withdrawal of $1 billion from the Excess Crude Account, used for purchasing Tucano aircraft without the approval of the National Assembly, is a clear violation of democratic principles.
Currently, President Bola Tinubu toeing the same path, despite the overwhelming public outcry over economic hardships, reflects a troubling disregard for the needs of the Nigerian people. At the state level, many governors are undermining local governments and this unchecked power must be addressed. I urge civil society organizations, legal experts, and the media to unite in demanding accountability from our leaders.
We need reforms that enhance transparency and ensure that our leaders adhere to the rule of law. Only through collective action can we rein in the excesses of our political leaders and build a government that truly serves the interests of the people. Let us mobilize public opinion and demand a government that is accountable and responsive to the needs of Nigerians”.
Institutions in Nigeria should be strengthened to check president, govs’ excesses — Kyungun
On his part, a former Executive Secretary of the Benue State Teaching Service Board, TSB, and lecturer at the Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University Makurdi, JoSTUM, Dr. Frank Kyungun advocated the strengthening of institutions in Nigeria to check the excesses of Governors and the President.
Dr. Kyungun noted that “the Nigerian Constitution has adequate provisions for there to be checks and balances in the system but it could be that those entrusted with the responsibilities are not aware of their constitutionally provided responsibilities and powers. The Constitution made provision for each arm to watch the other and check their excesses but that is not being effectively undertaken by those whose responsibility it is to ensure the checks, that is why we have the present situation.
Secondly, we need strong institutions which not only ensures social cohesion but ensures rule of law and due process in governance. When you have that then you can be certain that we will have effective, transparent system that upholds rule of law and safeguarding the human rights of the people even when they speak out against anomaly in the system.”
On his part, the Secretary of the Campaign for Equal Rights and Opportunities for all Nigerians, CERON, Francis Odiir blamed the excesses being displayed by governors and the President on lack of patriotism and corruption. He said, “99 percent of our leaders are not patriotic. They seek power for what they can accumulate for themselves and their children so they have all abandoned their responsibilities to the people and the nation. The different arms of government are not interested in ensuring that the system works according to the provisions of the Constitution but as it suits their purpose. The legislative arm prefer to be rubber stamps to the Executive. So we can only curb the excesses of the governors and the President the day the legislative arm sits up to its responsibilities to the people and the judiciary also sits up to ensure sanity in the system without fear or favour.
The Executive Director, The Osun Masterminds, TOM, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli said, “Nigeria is due for restructuring, we need to correct the deformity of our federal structure. The central government has so many responsibilities, which it should not bother itself about, thereby making the President super powerful, becoming a big brother or even a father to the governors. If our federalism is properly structured the institutions would be stronger to properly monitor actions and inactions of the president and governors.
When we have a proper structure, the National Assembly would have its duties cut out the same as the Houses of Assembly and the judiciary. So, I believe restructuring is the first major step to curb corruption in our systems. We will have stronger institutions which in turn would enhance transparency and accountability in government”.
Digital strategist and former Commissioner Budget and Economic Planning in Ekiti State, Debo Ajayi, said that “Until there are changes in our electoral system, this problem will continue. Interestingly, if local government autonomy is made to work, we will start to change the quality of leadership, starting from that level up to state and federal elections.
Apart from that, I think the elections should be staggered. It is unhelpful for both legislature and executive elections to be conducted about the same time. By the time a new executive comes in, there should be a legislature already in place that has institutional memory.
The electoral law should also be amended to force political parties to start levying members to make financial contributions, however small, to the party. What is happening right now, is that godfathers are sponsoring party activities and he who pays the piper dictates the tunes”.
Nigerians must rise up to say enough is enough — Hon Adewale
A political analyst and former Ondo state chairman of the Social Democratic Party, Hon Stephen Adewale, said that “Critical non-governmental structures have been undermined, and as long as this is the norm, the excesses of our governors and president will persist. The first of these structures is the press, also known as the fourth estate of the realm.
The era of investigative journalism in Nigeria is over. Similarly, there is no longer a reliable civil society organisation and virile opposition party in the country. Almost all civil society organisations that thrived between 1999 and 2007 have been severely weakened. When the Obasanjo administration attempted to extend his tenure by introducing a third term Bill in the National Assembly, it was the united efforts of the press, civil society, and opposition party members that foiled those efforts. If such an extension attempt had taken place during this political dispensation, it would have been a stroll in the park.
Most importantly, the Nigerian people have the ability to change the system. If the majority of the people decide that enough is enough, there will be no political force capable of resisting such a choice. The current elected officials in the ruling party have displayed contempt for the people and trampled on the constitution at will, while their elected counterparts in the opposition party have fared no better. It is so worse that we no longer have a single voice of hope at the National Assembly.
The present leaders are beyond redemption, we should focus on the youth —Balogun
Barr Moruff Balogun, former Vice Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ijebu Ode branch, said that, “Nigeria is a country with multifaceted challenges created by Nigerians. These challenges are enormous to the extent that many prominent Nigerians have suggested workable, but failed solutions. In my own view, both the leaders and the followers are guilty.
In fact, the followers are the worst because leadership is a reflection of followership. The major evil in government is corruption which includes financial mismanagement, diversion of public funds, contracts inflation, bribery, favoritism, nepotism and so on.
The principle of “catch them young” is the only solution I can rightly suggest now. Let the government introduce subject(s) in the primary, secondary and tertiary institutions that will practically expose the effects and consequences of corruption to students right from childhood and see corruption as evil. As for the present leaders, I don’t see any workable solution for now because they have tasted corruption, they are enjoying its benefits, so telling them that corruption is evil will amount to a waste of time and resources. Let’s concentrate on the upcoming generation and instill discipline, morals in them right from childhood”.
Nigerians must demand accountability from our leaders —Comrade Sunday Olaposi Oginni, NNPP National Secretary
“Nigerians need to wake up to the responsibility of demanding accountability from the leadership. It is unfortunate that Nigerians are not steadfast in calling the President and governors to account for their actions and inaction and this is why the president and our governors act with impunity. Logical scrutiny and criticism of the government should not be the job of activists alone. It must be every Nigeria’s business to call the President or governors to order. A new Nigeria of our dreams is possible when all Nigerians imbibe the culture of calling the President and governors to answer questions on their policies and programmes”.
An octogenarian, Pa Dele Alake, said, “I will advise that people should protest to the State Houses of Assembly which have been saddled with the responsibility of checking the excesses of these governors. They are insensitive to the plights of the masses. What is most annoying is when they flaunt their flamboyant lifestyles in the midst of the suffering masses.”
Also, Pastor Temisan Olayiwola, of “Yet, He Lives Church”, argued that, “Until the electorates change their ways and elect leaders who are ready to serve, the trend will continue. The leaders have pauperized us and they use that poverty as a weapon against us.”
An Oke Ogun based, Lawyer Oladele Olaniyi, said, “Except we change the current structure which allows the National Assembly to fix their salaries and allowances and for governors to use the security votes as they like without any accountability, it will be difficult for our leaders to change. The money earmarked for these political offices is too much. Let’s have a law that will make politics less attractive. Let it be on a part time basis, so that interested people will have other jobs that they do. No foreigner will see the exorbitant lifestyles of these politicians and believe citizens in our country are suffering.”
A teacher in public school, Mrs Ronke Olugbade, said, “I think we should return to the old school curriculum. These leaders are morally bankrupt and this may be traced to their backgrounds. If you check the school curriculum, subjects on morals have been expunged, so, you can’t actually blame these leaders. Let’s drop this current Constitution and draft a new one that will incorporate all the recommendations of various national conferences that we have had. We all talk with no action.”
Continuous agitation and reforms will end impunity in Nigeria —Edokpolo
Speaking on how to curb impunity of the president and governors, the Chairman, Edo Forum of Patriots (EFP), Amb. Ayanmekhue Edokpolo said: “Granted that impunity transcends a large chunk of Nigeria’s public administration architecture and abuse of power has been the bane of our democratic experiment since 1999; rays of hope still radiate nonetheless. There is hope because our legislature, executive and judicial arms of government are still evolving and by the constitutional amendments we are having from time to time in the country, we can see that some areas are being amended to check impunity, fraud, corruption and their dimensions like money laundering and stealing.
VANGUARD
