Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has said President Muhammadu Buhari has set a new precedent in Nigeria’s democracy, worse than the darkest days of military dictatorship.
In a national address on Monday in Abuja, the former Vice President asked Nigerians to use the forthcoming election to vote out President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was reacting to the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari.
While stressing that the President’s action ‘is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator’, he added: “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”.
Atiku, the main challenger to President Buhari, pointed out: “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.
“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.
“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”.
He cited the invasion of the National Assembly by the Department of State Services (DSS) as another example of what he called ‘executive recklessness’ of the Federal Government.
He also commended the international community for standing by Nigerians on the matter.
He warned the APC to desist from taking actions that may push the country ‘down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process’.
“I must warn 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. I also know that the surest weapon against tyranny is the democratic will of the people. Nigerians have consistently demonstrated their preference for democracy, and I am, and will always remain, on the side of the people of Nigeria.
“We must vote out this anti-democratic government and restore our country to the path of true democracy, which is the surest way to ensure progress and prosperity for our people,” he added.
