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Former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alexander Ogomudia and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) have enjoined political leaders to be alive to their responsibilities and avoid throwing the country into chaos.
Specifically, Jonathan warned politicians against blackmailing or squeezing the judiciary and the society, stressing that doing so could force young Nigerians to embark on a revolt. The former President, who spoke at an event, advised political leaders on the importance of the rule of law, stressing that any deviation from that may have unintended consequences. He reminded them to be careful in their utterances and what they do, adding that the civil society has become alert and may not tolerate any action seen to be against the people.
He said: “While we are doing the job that we are meant to do, let us not, because the judiciary is very conservative, try to blackmail them or squeeze them. Sometimes when we have political power, we become so blinded, especially when you are in the security forces. But society is changing, so we must admonish ourselves.” Archbishop Chukwuma, who spoke in a similar vein, observed that a lot depended on the judiciary to make or mar the efforts by Nigerians for the growth and sustenance of democracy in the country. He stated that all eyes are on the judiciary including that of the Church, praying that they are not going to pervert justice. “We are praying that the judiciary will do the right thing so that the masses will see the rule of law at work again in Nigeria,” the bishop stated.
Similarly, Ogomudia urged elected officials not to engage in actions that are in breach of the constitution and the demand of their offices. In the same vein, Falana was emphatic in warning the federal government and the political class not to provoke citizens to mutiny. He decried a situation in which the government tells the poor to tighten their belts and suffer the burden of the economic hardships in the country, while public officials keep spending lavishly. Falana observed that as long as figures of extravagant spending by the National Assembly keep being in public space, Nigerians will be irritated and so will be the enemies of democracy.
All the timely warnings are coming on the heels of recent takeover of power by the military in Gabon and Niger Republic. In both instances as others elsewhere, the soldiers had blamed the excesses of politicians for their action. While we condemn the recent military interventions in West and Central Africa, we urge the politicians to govern well.
The advice by the statesmen is in order and timely. Jonathan and Chukwuma spoke on the virtues of justice, equity and fairness as the tripod for the stability of the country. Ogomudia and Falana harped on the need for elected officials to deliver good governance to the people. Coming at a time when expectations are high on the judiciary to make conclusive pronouncements on the contentious issues arising from the February and March elections, the warnings should be taken seriously. We urge the judges to be firm, just and fearless in their rulings. That is the only way they can demonstrate that the judiciary is still the last hope of the common man.
Also, the various election petition tribunals in the country should not take their eyes off the substances of the cases before them. They do should do the right thing in the defence of truth and justice. Let them ensure that justice is not only delivered but seen to have been delivered. This probably informs the intervention by Jonathan and others.
The politicians should not overheat the polity. They should not disregard the provisions of the constitution. Let them prioritise good governance and eschew nepotism. Good enough, Nigeria is encouraging the affected countries to return to civilian administration. It will be a sad development if Nigeria fails to deliver good governance to its people.
