The presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians to vote out “this anti-democratic” government and restore Nigeria to the path of true democracy.
This, according to him, is the surest way to ensure progress and prosperity for Nigerians.
Atiku, who spoke at the Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, said the country is passing through a difficult moment and that how Nigerians react to this challenge in the following days will determine the fate of the nation’s democracy.
He described the crisis as needless, but which portends great peril to the system.
Atiku blamed the government for unwilling to subject its conducts to the requirements of the constitution.
He said, “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 General Muhammadu 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 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.
“It scarcely requires emphasis that this behaviour is alien to democratic rule and more in line with that of a military dictator.”
While admitting that the fight against corruption is crucial to good governance, and progress the country, stressing however that the issue of corruption as it relates to the institution of the judiciary is even more crucial.
Continuing, Atiku said, “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 defence 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, General 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 warned the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration to desist from taking actions that may push the country further down the slippery slope towards a major constitutional crisis that could derail the electoral process.
He reminded President Buhari of being a beneficiary of a free and fair election, saying that it’s 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 defence 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.
“I conclude by expressing, once again, my gratitude to the international community for standing by our country in this challenging time.
“However, the primary responsibility to resist tyranny and protect democracy in Nigeria ultimately lies with Nigerians. It is on this note that I call on all Nigerians to seize the opportunity of the coming general elections to vote in defence of democracy and the rule of law.
“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”.
