From the happenings in Nigeria in recent times, especially in the last two months it’s manifestly obvious that President Muhammadu Buhari understands next to nothing on the ideals of democracy and separation of powers.
Mr. President offcourse, is not a democrat, neither has he ever been a student of politics to appreciate what democracy really means. The President till date mistakes autocracy for democracy, he sees tyranny as the greatest attribute of leadership. While one will easily understand with the President for his penchant for tyranny, considering his career as a military general; it would be good the President learns fast on the tenets of democracy before he collapse the system the way he did in his first coming.
President Muhammadu Buhari must however be reminded that this is democracy and not a military government. He should know that in democracy there is what is known as separation of powers. He must understand that under a democratic system of government there are three arms of government-the executive, the legislature and the judiciary. It is also important for the President to know that these three arms of government are all equal; every arm of government has its defined duties and functions as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Furthermore, Mr. President should be instructed that being the President of Nigeria he is a member of the executive arm of government. Thus,he is not expected to usurp the powers of other arms of government. Also, Mr President needs to know that the greatest beauty of democracy is the respect for other arms of government, especially the judiciary, this is sometimes called the rule of law. The rule of law entails total obedience to the laws of the land, respect for court proceedings and pronouncements. The rule of law is what makes democracy democracy. Thus, it goes without saying that democracy is all about the rule of law and not the rule of lords.
The detention of Nnamdi Kanu and Sambo Dasuki is an aberration to the rule of law. The President through his agencies has been bent on persecution these two people against the wishes of the law. The President has been flagrant in his abuse of court orders. President Buhari is desecrating the laws of the land which he swore to protect. I see no reason why the President should insist on violating the freedom of these two men against the spirit of our constitution. This is where many believe that our President is acting in ignorance of democratic doctrines.
He should know that in democracy no matter how he feels about a particular court order he must respect it. It is not his duty to pronounce people guilty. If he feels so convinced that Nnamadi Kanu and Sambo Dasuki are law violaters he should seek the court for their prosecution and not their persecution. The President must know that court orders must not be in his favour for him to respect. President Buhari needs to purge himself off of the blood of tyranny that flows within his veins. He should forthwith respect the court orders; and set Kanu and Dasuki free. President Buhari should be reminded that the continuous detention and house arrest of Kanu and Dasuki is a clear contempt of court. President Buhari no matter how hard the lessons of democracy seems to him must learn and in all his learning he must understand that in democracy the rule of law is supreme, thus nobody is above the law.
Written by Ominabo Wealth Dickson.
