THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND THE DEFENCE OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA: The doctrine of separation of powers in the presidential system of democratic government which Nigeria adopted since 1999 bestows on the National Assembly certain powers. Such powers include the defence of the constitution of the FRN which they swore to uphold at all times, and in all circumstances. This power, by extension, also includes the defence and protection of democracy. If this is true and they know it, why are they not speaking up when certain actions by public officers or individuals threaten some tenets and aspects of democratic norm and the federal constitution? One case in point is the issue of freedom of association and assembly which are guaranteed rights of every citizen. This constitutional right has been so badly flouted and flogged by the Nigeria police in several parts of Nigeria, especially in Rivers state, so much so that it is almost causing a civil war that may eventually consume Nigeria. It is high time they spoke up in the defence of democracy and the truth. They exercised this power when they sealed the R/S House of Assembly when it became clear that the institution of democracy in that state was threatened. They should exercise the same power by coming up with a stand to say the truth as it concerns freedom of association/assembly. This will go to support the supreme court ruling which recently confirmed that Nigerians do not require police permit to meet or associate. At best what the police requires is to be informed of a gathering for them to provide security at no cost to citizens. If the police are allowed to go the way they are threading, very soon they will demand that every Nigerian who want to celebrate his/her birthday, wedding, or TM, or mate with his wife, etc will have to seek police permit b4 doing so. It is therefore the duty of the NA to speakup on this settled issue before it gets messier. Nigeria cant be moving forward and backward even on a matter that is a constitutional right for citizens, and which the supreme court had given a pronoucement. Democracy anywhere can be very interesting and attractive once national institutions established to protect the system observe its provisions to every letter and avoid impunity.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:59:23 +0000
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