By Roland Ekama , Lagos
President and Founder, Crusade for Justice, Barrister Richard Nwankwo on Tuesday called on Nigerians to support activists and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that engage politicians through judicial process.
Nwankwo who made the call at the 17th Annual/ Anniversary Lecture 2019; with the theme “Good Governance, A Myth or Reality In Africa?” held in Lagos, noted that the nation’s constitutional democratic experience has undergone several metamorphosis.
The founder in his address tagged “Politics In Nigeria As A Metaphor , Signifying Mess; pointed out that the system could be described as a classical example of “voodoo democracy” supported and anchored on a decree that was engineered by army of generals who are unrepentant.
He said: “I therefore appeal to all Nigerians, to support those questioning and challenging political rascality, recklessness, and high handedness through judicial process and not malign them.
“This brings me to my opening remarks about courage. If you lack the courage, why not stay away from activities of those showing glimpses of courage .
“It takes courage to challenge evil and those risking their lives, challenging same, are not totally stupid or stupid.
He further tasked Nigerians to hold the government accountable at all times, irrespective of fascist arrogant, murderous or viciously vindictive.
“The decree, now christened the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended by my own understanding, as a constitutional lawyer, is noting but “Digital Witchcraft”, a ready instrument in the hands of these internal colonialists,” he said.
Nwankwo alleged that critical arms of government are firmly and fully in the hands of misfit adding that oversight functions have been halted and pulsed due to internal colonialists and their agents.
Citing instances, he stressed that “An incident that took place in Edo state is a pointer here. Some vigilante boys arrested the colonialists who were errand boys of the internal colonialists, when the soldiers got to the scene of the crime, they killed the vigilante boys for having the audacity and effrontery to arrest “boys” sharing the same affinity with the colonialists.
The lawyer who frowned at the development, reiterated that “Today our legislators cannot summon serving army officers as part of their oversight responsibilities because of the affinity of the officers involved with the new regime of colonialists.”
In her opening speech, Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Justice Ayo Philips, former Chief Judge of Lagos State, said that if the 1999 constitution was not amended, the entire discourse on the topic would be mere academics.
She averred that until immunity clause in the constitution should be expunged so that offenders can be made to face prosecution.
Accordibg to the legal luminary, the present constitution Nigeria is using today was handed down to us by the military which does not represent the realities on ground.
She marvelled if no one can stand up to the task of leading the vanguard of calling for amendment of the constitution.
Meanwhile, two lectures were delivered by guests speakers ,which include: Rule of Law In Contemporary Nigeria, A Myth Or Reality and Legislative Oversight Functions In A Democracy, A Case Study Of Nigeria.
