Following the controversy trailing the last election in Nigeria, the National Democratic Coalition—NADECO, a pro-democracy group, has charged Nigerians not to lose faith in the system yet, adding that it will be unnecessary for them to fail themselves if the nation’s judiciary has failed.
It urged the citizenry to follow up the activities of the Supreme Court as the apex court, prepares to deliver its rulings on the presidential election petitions filed by various candidates of different political parties in the February 25, 2023 Presidential polls.
Mr Lloyd Ukwu, the executive director of NADECO USA, said this in a statement he signed and issued on Tuesday.
According to him, “As the ancient wisdom of Sun Tzu reminds us, a malevolent leader may destroy their own land just to maintain control over the ruins.
“Within the governmental framework, we find three vital branches: The Legislature, responsible for crafting laws for the people;; the Executive, tasked with executing the laws enacted by the legislature; and the Judiciary, entrusted with interpreting the Constitution, laws, and scrutinising the Executive’s actions.
“Crucially, the Judiciary serves as the people’s ultimate safeguard.
“Should the Judiciary falter, the common man have no recourse but to seek divine justice, a remedy that arrives only after death.
“Consider this scenario: passengers aboard a luxurious, air-conditioned bus find it stranded on a slippery muddy slope. Despite the driver’s efforts, the wheels of the bus spin fruitlessly. To free the bus, all occupants must abandon comfort and exert themselves to push the bus out of the mud physically and not rely on the mechanical force.”
“Similarly, NADECO implores the Nigerian people to step out of their comfort zones and rise to occupy and reclaim Nigeria should the Judiciary falter.
“By the natural law of survival, the fourth branch of government is the People, also known as the Common Man. When the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary fail, the People must assert their authority and reclaim their nation, becoming the last line of defense to save themselves.
“NADECO insists that the Nigerian People, as the Common Man, must prepare to reclaim Nigeria sooner rather than later. Thereafter, the country must be reorganised, restructured, and rejuvenated, with all institutions reinforced.
“NADECO calls on all Nigerians to closely monitor the Supreme Court, for, as Jefferson wisely noted, the price of eternal vigilance is LIBERTY. Nigerians must actively engage in safeguarding their freedom and democratic values.
“Together, in unity and by voicing their demands for change, Nigerians can command respect and attention, securing the future they desire.”