Only in Nigeria does the Executive control the Legislature and the Judiciary. At the same time, in a proper democratic system of government,...
Only in Nigeria does the Executive control the Legislature and the Judiciary. At the same time, in a proper democratic system of government, every arm of the government should be independent by law. In this write-up, my main focus is on the judiciary, which has dragged the Nigerian legal system into the mud and delivering judgement similar to gwo-gwo-ngwo in Mike Ejiagha's music.
Sometimes, I pity the judges because they know the Nigeria they are serving is a Terror state that can go to any extent to get what it wants, either by hook or crook.
A competent judge can be removed, only to be replaced by an incompetent judge from Alkali court, as long as he obeys the dictates of the Executive. A judge who refuses money or threats from the Executive may die mysteriously, and the police will carry out investigations that bear no fruit and claim to be on top of the matter ad infinitum.
Two of the main principles of the presidential system of government are the separation of powers and the principle of checks and balances. These principles make the three arms operate separately while checking each other and restraining them from any transgression of their power and function. Unfortunately, this is not obtainable in Nigeria.
The Executive imposes its decisions on the Legislature and the Judiciary by offering 'Ghana must go' sacks of money as Bribes, or hire and fire approach.
The executive branch also arm-twists other government organs by blackmailing them with criminal records and threat of arrest or eliminating them where every other strategy fails.
So, you can see why the international community has classified the Nigerian judiciary as practicing a kangaroo system. You can now understand why an appeal court sitting in Abuja on October 2022 discharged and acquitted Mazi Nnamdi Kanu of all charges against him, and up to date, he is still languishing in the DSS dungeon.
In another judicial somersault, the appeal court upheld the ridiculous terrorist tag on IPOB, a peaceful self-determination mass movement. The proscription was an ex-parte order, which constitutionally should expire after 14 days, within which the matter should be taken to court for proper adjudication. After a court of competent jurisdiction issues the order of proscription, it should be signed by the president. But the Ex-Parte order proscribing IPOB was signed by the late chief Of Staff to the president Abba Kyari.
You can now see why (IPOB) an organisation that is seeking self-determination, according to U.N. chatter, is termed a terrorist organisation in Nigeria. Meanwhile, Boko Haram, one of the world's deadliest terrorist groups, is called bandit in Nigeria. Any of their fighters caught is pardoned, nicknamed repentant and adopted into the Nigerian military to help in killing innocent people. Fair is Fowl, and Fowl is fair.
Written by Ifeoma Okeke
Edited by Oge Izuwa
For Abia State Media
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