Abuse of Power

ABUSE OF POWER IN AFRICA
Brethren, even if I lack the locus standi (legal right) to prosecute some persons/officials in our midst, I still strongly believe that I’ve some amount of immunity to justify any scenario taking place within my territory. In other words, most of us are naturally gifted with the initiative and prowess of putting up a judgement over any occurring drama or observation.
You will agree with me that in August 18, 2011; Justice Isa Ayo Salami was suspended as the President of the Court of Appeal by the National Judicial Council (NJC) when the body (NJC) found him guilty of gross misconduct following his refusal to apologize to former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius Katsina-Alu whom he accused of victimizing him for refusing to compromise a gubernatorial election dispute in Sokoto State. Subsequently, the Judicial body (NJC) immediately turned round to recall the principal judicial officer and recommended him to the presidency for reinstatement without stating any reason for the urgent recall. In its remark, the NJC said that it’s within its constitutional powers to recall and reinstate any justice of the court of appeal and does not require the President’s consent. Come to think of it; if truly the presidential immunity was not required or that they don’t owe the presidency any reason whatsoever for the recall, why should they find it difficult to understand that the public opinion/view is of high importance in any action that is meant to be taken by the body.
More so; few weeks ago, the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan granted a presidential pardon to the convicted former Governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alsmieyeseigha and the ex-Managing Director of the Bank of the North, Mr. Shettima Bulama among others based on the decision taken by the Council of State. The bitter and controversial side of the story is that such decision was taken without minding or considering the anticipatory reactions of the congress/public. This means that the action was taken out of personal interest. The funniest part was that, the former was extricated while the United Kingdom (UK) was still seeking for his extradition to the country (UK) to be tried for a crime he allegedly committed.
On the other hand; some days ago, Monday March 25 to be precise, one of the banner headlines of The Punch newspaper reads, “Akpabio admits rigging primary election”. The inside of the page 8 of the paper stated that the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio confessed that he manipulated the result of the 2007 People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial primary election in the State by single-handedly replacing the winner with the name of his preferred candidate. Based on what the said paper wrote; the governor said that the manipulation was necessary in order to give the people of Ikono and Ini LGAs a sense of belonging. According to him, the people of the aforementioned LGAs, the area where the present serving senator, Sen. Aloysius Etok comes from, had not produced a senator since 1960 till 2007. Notwithstanding, even if the group in question was yet to produce a senator, does it call for rigging; and if truly that rigging was imposed as published, must it be confessed to the public hearing? What impunity begotten by extreme immunity!
Apart from the above anomalies, many similar phenomena have been lingering on the socio-political rostrum of most countries in the African continent. Such phenomenon has become a recurring decimal that one cannot just fathom the number of times it takes place on a weekly basis. In recent time, it seems as if Nigeria has suddenly become the engine room of such non-social act.
The public office holders or the political leaders in Nigeria should endeavour to live up to the expectations of their subjects. They ought to learn how to carry the entire public along in their respective scheme of works or obligations. For sanity or effective and efficient democratic system to be actualized in the Nigerian state and that of other African nations, the rule of law or due process must be properly adhered to; and the congress/public opinion must as well not be left out.
Nigeria as a country is of age; thus, she’s old enough to know her right from her left. She ought not to be deceived herself. Therefore, she and her children which Fred Nwaozor is inclusive must endeavour to tell themselves nothing but the truth. Fifty three (53) years as an independent nation and hundred (100) years as an entity is enough numerals that can ascertain a concrete/critical evolution. Think about it!

COMR. FRED NWAOZOR
Social analyst & activist
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frednwaozor@gmail.com
+2348099250401