SUBJECT: SOWORE: JUNGLE JUSTICE IN THE TEMPLE OF JUSTICE

Sowore: Jungle Justice in the Temple of Justice
By Israel Ayegba Ebije
The re-arrest of Omoyele Sowore and his co defendant Olawale Bakare by
the Department of State Security (DSS) is an all time low in the
history of Nigeria. The commando move right in the court is a clear
disregard of the judiciary and a mockery of the rights of Sowore and
Bakare. It would be recalled that the duo who were arrested for
organizing protest against the government of President Muhammadu
Buhari were released on bail after 124 days in detention amidst DSS
violation of court order against unjustified detention.
The constitution of the federal government has been desecrated by
institutions totally loyal to the presidency. As the number of
dissenting voices continue to increase in President Muhammadu Buhari
gulag, the wave of impunity continues to wax stronger among security
agencies.
Nigerians May recall that Buhari led administration has no regard for
the constitution. Col Sambo Dasuki is being held for four years
despite a court order to grant him bail. El Zakzaky and his wife have
similar experience. We have so many Nigerian journalists locked up in
jails across the country without trial. The leadership at the center
has obviously inspired states to be reckless and adamant to issues of
constitutional value.
Against constitutional requirements, the Tucano aircraft was purchased
without due process. A whopping sum of $1bn was approved without
National Assembly approval to fight “depleted” Biko Haram.
Nigerians will not forget how the former Chief Justice of Nigeria,
Walter Onnoghen was illegally removed. Nigeria will always remember
that against constitutional mandate, Buhari presented affidavit in
lieu of statement or certificate of West African School Certificate as
minimum qualification for re election where the court held that he is
“eminently” qualified. Tenure elongation of cherry picked
permanent secretaries and continued stay of service chiefs despite
attaining retirement, are dangerous precedents set by this
administration.
The bastardized constitution has opened so many gaps currently working
against hapless citizens. Without warrant the police can adopt and
extort and most times kill innocent people. Now the Federal Road
Safety Corps (FRSC) has declared the use of Global Positioning System
(GPS) for navigation illegal. Already vehicles are being seized and
drivers forced to pay money and take psychiatric test.
Corruption war, one of the pillars of Buharis administration has
failed to contain corrupt practices among government officials.
Opposition politicians and reputable financial observers across the
globe have issued serial warnings that Nigeria economy heads for the
cliff edge.
Sadly, the usual voices of conscience checkmating bad governance is
drowning on daily bases. Some like former Lagos Governor, Bola Tinubu
and pastor Bakare are too ambitious to echo the feelings of Nigerians.
Reasonable Nigerians are asking why former President Olusegun Obasanjo
is no longer talking despite the growing impunity of this government.
Is it the power probe or the presidential library? Former President
Jonathan is a quiet person but rumore of complicity trails APC victory
in Bayelsa. With some Diezani Allison – Maduake loot stinking close to
Jonathan, Nigerians are no longer sure of what to believe. Certainly
this administration has something against everybody. They have
resource of blackmail, loyal institutions and trampled constitution to
rein in their foes.
With almost every past leader in the opposition morally and physically
held hostage over real or imaginary “corruption” charges, the
Buhari led administration appears unstoppable, untouchable but not
invincible. The commando style re-arrest of Sowore and Bakare is
another action taken too far by the incumbent administration. Impunity
taken too far breeds revolt. This administration appears to be begging
Nigerians to take to the street as our constitution is trampled upon
on daily bases.
Ebije can be reached via: ebijeo5@gmail.com