Nigeria’s democracy hijacked: Lawmakers betray the people

By Kingsley Ikechukwu

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, democracy ensures freedom, fairness, and stability in society.

It guarantees that leaders remain accountable, laws are upheld, and citizens participate in governance.

A strong democracy promotes economic growth, social equality, and national stability.

However, when power is concentrated in a few hands, democracy weakens.

This leads to the suppression of opposition, election manipulation, and the rise of authoritarian rule.

Such conditions result in economic decline, hyperinflation, widespread poverty, and mass migration.

Nations that preserve democracy through crises often emerge stronger.

The United States, despite internal struggles, has upheld democratic institutions for over two centuries.

The country has faced civil rights struggles, economic downturns, and political divisions.

However, it has maintained fair elections, the rule of law, and peaceful transitions of power.

This commitment has made the U.S. a global leader in democratic resilience.

Nigeria’s democratic values are now under serious threat.

Recent actions by the National Assembly highlight the growing compromise of legislative independence.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case demonstrates the extent of political manipulation.

Her seat was reassigned without due process.

When she protested, she faced political persecution and was later suspended.

Her suspension happened through a backdoor ruling, raising concerns about fairness.

This incident reflects a broader pattern of political suppression.

Another disturbing development involves Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

A sexual harassment claim was made against him.

Instead of an independent investigation, he presided over his own case.

His dismissal of the allegations without scrutiny raised transparency concerns.

This further eroded public trust in the legislative system.

A more alarming situation arose with the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State.

President Bola Tinubu’s decision was swiftly approved by the National Assembly.

Both the Senate and House of Representatives endorsed it through a voice vote.

The overwhelming “I” votes suggested a lack of meaningful debate.

This decision led to the suspension of Rivers State’s Governor and Deputy Governor.

Members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were also suspended.

The hasty approval suggests executive influence over the legislature.

Legislators failed to provide independent checks on executive power.

This raises fears that Nigeria’s democracy is being undermined.

The National Assembly appears compromised and controlled by a few powerful individuals.

Their silence on the issue confirms the erosion of legislative independence.

The ease of endorsing the state of emergency is troubling.

Elected officials showed little resistance or concern for democratic principles.

Their actions demonstrate that political loyalty outweighs national interest.

This situation puts Nigeria’s democratic system in serious jeopardy.

If lawmakers continue acting in political self-interest, democracy will suffer.

Democratic institutions must remain independent to function effectively.

A strong democracy relies on leaders who prioritize the people’s will.

Citizens must take urgent action to prevent further democratic decline.

It is time for Nigerians to demand accountability.

Elected representatives must answer for their actions.

A significant step is recalling compromised lawmakers.

All 36 state senators and representatives should face recall.

Particularly those who failed to resist the state of emergency.

This will send a strong message against legislative compromise.

Leaders must act in the people’s interest, not for political gain.

If Nigeria allows democratic backsliding, governance will collapse.

Authoritarian tendencies will deepen, and citizens will suffer.

Economic instability, rights suppression, and leadership failure will follow.

The time to act is now.

Nigerians must rise against intimidation and state capture.

Every citizen has a role in defending democracy.

Democracy thrives when leaders are held accountable.

Transparency, fairness, and justice must guide governance.

Nigeria’s future depends on decisive citizen action.

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