NAN-H-72
Democracy
By Veronica Dariya
Abuja, Oct. 12, 2016 (NAN) A legal practitioner, Mr Jude Kaleijaye, has advised the Federal Government to consolidate on the gains of democracy rather than steps that will weaken it
Kaleijaye gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday
He appealed to government at all levels to make decisions that would protect the democratic system of governance and not those that would jeopardise it.
The lawyer commended the Federal Government for its efforts to curb corruption in the country.
Kaleijaye, however, stressed the need for government to follow due process for every step it takes because this the panacea toward strengthening the system.
“A lot of sacrifices have been made in the past to get us to where we are today, let’s not forget that. I believe in the Federal Government’s fight against corruption and I am personally in full support of the entire idea.
“But we must act accordingly; we must not forget that international eyes are on us. To be found breaching the law is not good for our democracy at all.
“The three arms of government must work together, make and take decisions that are in line with the law. They should be decisions that will favour democracy and not otherwise.”
According to him, all powers must be shared accordingly and responsibly.
He said that in cases where parties under a particular arm of governance are found wanting, apex bodies of such institutions should be allowed to carry out investigations first.
“For instance, we all agree that there are corrupt judges in the institution. First, we write a petition to the CJN who should summon them.
“And then if at all it gets worse, the NJC is responsible for the discipline or punishing of corrupt judges in line with the law through their own panel of investigation.
“There is also where the police may come in and so on, it is that simple and no one cries foul.”
The lawyer also called on his colleagues to help restore the falling reputation of the profession and the growth of democracy. (NAN)
DVK/OFN
Edited by Felix Nwadioha