Jennifer Smith
Thu, Sep 7, 2023 9:35 PM2023 Presidential Election Petition Court Pronouncements: A 'Judocracy' Against Nigerians
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Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a human rights activist, has criticized the recent Presidential Election Petition Court pronouncements, labeling it a 'Judocracy' against Nigerians. In his speech at the Bishop Mike Okonkwo annual lecture, Ozekhome spoke about the deformed democracy in Nigeria, where the selection of leaders through arm-thugs has become the norm. He emphasized the need to address these political drawbacks and highlighted the adverse effects on the country's economy.
Lagos - Prof. Mike Ozekhome, a respected human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), strongly criticized the recent pronouncements of the 2023 Presidential Election Petition Court. Delivering the keynote address at the 22nd edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo lecture, Ozekhome labeled this as a 'Judocracy' against the Nigerian people.
The theme of the lecture, "Nigerianisation Of Nigerians: A Look Inward," provided an opportunity for Ozekhome to shed light on the deformed state of democracy in Nigeria. He introduced the term 'Selectocracy,' which characterizes a system where politicians use armed thugs to rig elections and handpick leaders of their choice.
Ozekhome expressed his concern about the deteriorating political situation in the country where citizens are encouraged to exercise their voting rights, only to have their votes rendered insignificant. This disregard for the democratic process has profound implications for the Nigerian economy.
According to Ozekhome, the term 'Nigerianisation' refers to the process by which the government takes ownership and control of private enterprises for economic, political, social, and strategic reasons. This policy was originally designed to combat discrimination and colonialism.
Regrettably, Ozekhome highlighted the grim reality of Nigeria, where fairness is a rarity, and bribes are the currency of survival. The excessive social distance between the government and the people, coupled with widespread poverty and incompetence in high places, exacerbates the disregard for citizens' rights.
Pat Utomi, the chairman of the occasion and a professor of political economy, shared his thoughts on the matter. He lamented the lack of character prevalent in Nigerian democracy and identified a crucial loss in public communication and moral values. Utomi stressed that the absence of character at all levels of government is a tragedy for the nation.
Furthermore, Utomi expressed concern over the deteriorating character among Nigerians, particularly within the political class. He criticized the behavior of individuals on social media platforms like Twitter, suggesting that some contributions to national issues warrant serious introspection.
In his closing remarks, Bishop Mike Okonkwo expressed disappointment in both the government and the governed in Nigeria. He called for a reversal of the political backwardness plaguing the country, emphasizing the need for progress that benefits the masses.
The annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo lecture also featured the recognition of young minds. Miss Ike Destiny from VIK International School, Akere Alagbado, Ogun State emerged as the winner of the Essay Competition. Alexander Chibuzor of Archbishop Heerey Technical College, Ogidi, Anambra State secured the second position in the 2023 Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.
The event highlighted the importance of introspection and action necessary to address the political and economic challenges facing Nigeria. It serves as a reminder that the wellbeing and progress of the nation depend on the collective effort to uphold genuine democracy, transparency, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
Source of content: OOO News 2023-09-07 News
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