Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, has criticized the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, saying its lopsidedness in appointments, open display of nepotism and cronyism caused the rise of secessionist groups like the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Ekweremadu used the occasion to condemn the harassment of social media users, online bloggers and publishers in parts of Africa, especially in Nigeria, adding that efforts to enact an Act to regulate Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) was unhealthy for democracy.
Ekweremadu also indicted the Buhari administration for hounding Judges, and for going after key opposition figures, shortly after it took over power in 2015.
Ekweremadu revealed this at a lecture entitled “African Politics: The Dynamics and Lesson,” delivered at the House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom on Friday, January 26, 2018.
He said, “Contrary to the oaths, what we see is blatant nepotism, cronyism, and tribalism. The ethnic groups of the heads of state are mostly favoured in appointments, opportunities, and provision of infrastructure.
“In Nigeria, Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution tries to guarantee equity and justice for all given the nation’s vastness, plurality, and history vide the federal character principle, but no Igbo man or woman is considered fit by the present administration in Nigeria to head any of the security agencies, including paramilitary agencies even though the Igbo people remain one of the three major tribes in Nigeria.
“This has given rise to the feelings of alienation and agitations as championed by several pro-Biafra groups.”
“Lately, the Supreme Court of Nigeria saved democracy in the country in its judgment on the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, crisis when it held that the decision of a party in its national convention is final and binding.
“Also, after the PDP lost election in Nigeria in 2015, the APC-led government ran riot and began to indict, arrest, investigate, and detain its opponents and individual enemies. The judiciary was its major roadblocks.
“The Judiciary is not only the last hope of the common man in Africa, but also the prized hope of democracy, rule of law, human rights, equity, and justice. Take away an independent judiciary and what you have left is crude dictatorship.
“In response to its frustration, the houses of judges were embarrassingly raided at midnight and judicial officers humiliated by security agencies working for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Such executive lawlessness must be condemned in strongest terms and must not be allowed to find a sanctuary in African politics,” Ekweremadu added.
He said: “It is even quite hypocritical that former opposition leaders and parties rise to power, but only to turn round, determined to break and burn the very ladder with which they climbed unto power.”
