In a statement personally signed by the Deputy President of the
Nigerian Senate, Ike Ekweremadu has accused the presidency of declaring
war on the country’s legislature at the National Assembly.
The legal practitioner and second in command of the 8th Assembly of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, said the country’s democracy, which
clearly stipulated the separation of powers, was being threatened by the
executive arm of government.
He claimed innocence of the crime for which he was being prosecuted, describing it as “grotesque display of vindictiveness.”
While vowing never to submit “to the untamed wishes and caprices of witch-hunters,” he added: “I
put my trust in God, the court, and the overwhelming solidarity of the
good people of Nigeria. When the dust settles, Nigerians will see
clearly that this charge is nothing but meretricious thrash.
“Time, occasions, and provocations like this will teach their
own lessons. I hope that one chief lesson will be that democracy differs
markedly from military rule and that public officer should never
subvert the foundations of democracy by prioritizing the rule of man
over the rule of law.”
The Full Statement;
“It is Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu today, who knows whose turn it will be next?.
“Let us make no mistake about this: it is not Senator Ike
Ekweremadu or Senator Bukola Saraki or the other accused persons that
are on trial; rather the hallowed democratic principles of separation of
powers, rule of law, the legislature itself, and indeed democracy are
on a ridiculous trial.
“It is deeply troubling to note that people in high places who
swore to uphold the law have dwindled into purveyors of falsehood and
rumours who seek to smear and tarnish the reputation of law-abiding and
responsible citizens as well as cripple the hallowed institutions of
democracy.
“It is all the more disheartening that people who should know
better use the colour of their office to pursue private vendetta against
people they disagree with.
“This grotesque display of vindictiveness, arrogance, and
mindless targeting of innocent citizens should find no sanctuary in our
democracy.
“Using the machinery of justice to create disorder is a
dangerous and invidious scheme that ultimately will lead Nigeria down
the road to perdition.
“Mere anarchy is unleashed upon the land, but our courage must
not fall apart. No condition is permanent and nothing lasts forever.
“For me, I find great comfort in the immortal words of late Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe who said that history will vindicate the just and the
wicked will not go unpunished.”
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