Nigeria’s democracy under threat – Jerry Gana

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prof Jerry Gana, on Monday raised the alarm that the nation's democracy w...

The presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Prof Jerry Gana, on Monday raised the alarm that the nation's democracy was under threat.

Gana, a former Minister of Information, spoke at a press conference in Abuja.

He said, "Nigeria is facing serious challenges that are threatening her emerging democracy and good governance within the rule of law.

"The nation is currently facing external threats, internal insecurity and serious economic challenges.

"The insecurity and economic situation have worsened while the fight against corruption,  which the Federal Government toasts its success is being prosecuted in a manner that tends towards the disruption of the constitutional order. That is what we are worried about.

"Beyond politics, all lovers of democracy in Nigeria and well-meaning people all over the world must close ranks at this time to confront this emerging trend towards the institutionalisation of cultic principles and gangsterism in the political and governance processes."

He cited the prosecution of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen, as the latest among other infractions which he said included the invasion of judges' homes, trial of the President of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, and prosecution of the President, Nigerian Bar Association.

Gana added, "All of the above happening at this critical time, weeks to the all important 2019 general elections tend to mark a clear indication of an agenda by the Federal Government to muzzle both the bench and the bar, under circumstances that suggest anything but due process.

"This worries us so much because democracy and the  rule of law work together.

"The rule of law and social justice remain the bastion of democracy  anywhere in the world.

"When the rule of law and social justice are violated, democracy lacks credibility and legitimacy. Sadly, such forces, if not promptly arrested and seriously contained, can easily lead to the truncation of our hard-earned democracy.

"Some of us worked so hard for the restoration of democracy in 1999, some even paid the supreme sacrifice; hence we have a very serious responsibility to stand up for democracy whenever it is under threat."