Frank Momoh
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential flag bearer in the February elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, on Monday warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) government
to desist from taking action that may derail Nigeria’s electoral process.
Addressing stakeholders and journalists in Abuja on emerging impasse as a result of the suspension of the CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen, he said: “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.”
According to him, President Muhammadu Buhari must remember that he is a beneficiary of a free and fair election, adding that he must therefore allow a political environment and process that gives confidence to everyone.
He said: “Yet again, 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.
“Meanwhile, 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.
“I need to state that this latest action by President 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, according to him, and consequent violation of constitutionally guaranteed human rights of our citizens confirms beyond all doubt that 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.” He said.
Atiku said, 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, 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.” He said.
The PDP said 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.