TINUBU’S PRESIDENCY LACKS LEGITIMACY DESPITE SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT -NADECO USA

Tinubu’s Presidency Lacks Legitimacy Despite Supreme Court Judgement -NADECO USA

NADECO USA, a foremost Nigerian political organization, has released a statement stating that Tinubu’s presidency lacks legitimacy despite the country’s apex court ruling in the president’s favour.

In the statement NADECO expressed concern about the parallels between the recently concluded presidential election and the historic June 12, 1993, election.

The organization highlights the implications of these parallels on the rule of law and democracy, and calls for action to restore public confidence in the judiciary. This is a crucial issue for the future of Nigeria and its people.

The hypothetical scenario described by NADECO USA helps to illustrate the importance of public trust and acceptance when it comes to the legitimacy of a judgment.

In other words, even if a judgment is technically sound, it may not be seen as valid or binding if the public doesn’t agree with it.

In the statement released on Monday, made available to RPTVBLOG, signed by Mr Lloyd Ukwu the Executive Director of NADECO USA and Publicity Secretary, Comrade David Adenekan, the group is proposing that a new constitution, drafted through a participatory and inclusive process, could be a step towards restoring trust and legitimacy.

The group further stated that even though the Supreme Court may have the legal authority to make a judgment on the election, the real power lies with the people.

The judgment doesn’t change the fact that the people ultimately have the final say in who governs them.

Sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people. This is because the people are the ones who decide whether to accept or reject a government, and they are the ones who give that government its power.

Even though a state or government may have formal sovereignty, the people are the true source of sovereignty.

This is why popular movements like protests and revolutions can challenge the authority of governments, and ultimately lead to regime change.

Below is the concluding part of the group’s statement:

“Justice Musa Muhammad Dattijo’s recent proclamation on the state of the Nigerian judiciary serves as a compelling validation of NADECO USA’s long-standing concerns.

His departure from the apex court marked an occasion for a sober reflection, with particularly damning critiques of the judiciary and Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Olukayode Ariwoola.

The hallowed image of the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the bastion of justice for the common man has been significantly tarnished in the eyes of the nation’s populace, and NADECO USA is no exception to this disillusionment.

In this vein, the organization unequivocally rejects the Supreme Court’s judgment rendered on October 26, 2023, regarding the February 25 presidential election.”

“NADECO draws a disconcerting parallel between the events of February 25, 2023, and the historic June 12, 1993, election.

While the key distinction is the involvement of General Sani Abacha in the latter case and Mr. Bola Tinubu as a civilian candidate in the former, the fundamental principle of justice and the people’s trust in the judiciary remains steadfast.”

Consider for a moment that, hypothetically, Abacha had secured a Supreme Court judgment declaring him the civilian President of Nigeria during the June 12 era—NADECO and the Nigerian populace would have, without hesitation, rejected such a judgment, regardless of its source at the apex court.

This is analogous to NADECO’s rejection of the current judgment on February 25, 2023.

NADECO firmly advocates for a comprehensive and extensive institutional reform that transcends anything less than a complete overhaul.

Nigeria urgently requires a fresh, organic constitution that accurately reflects the nation’s political history, both pre and post-independence.”

While the Nigeria Supreme Court has delivered its judgment, the time has come for the true “People’s Supreme Court” to hold sway.

Sovereignty inherently belongs to the people, and the transfer of such sovereignty from the populace to a select group of Nigerian elites, or to the so-called “last man standing,” is beyond the scope of judicial authority.

No Nigerian court can diminish the inalienable sovereignty of the people.”

HISTORY OF NADECO

The National Democratic Coalition, commonly known as NADECO, played a significant role in Nigeria’s history during the 1990s.

It emerged as a formidable opposition movement against military dictatorship and in favor of the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

NADECO was formed in May 1994, shortly after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, which is widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history.

The annulment by the military government led by General Ibrahim Babangida sparked widespread outrage and disillusionment among Nigerians, who saw it as a betrayal of their democratic aspirations.

Led by prominent figures such as Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and Chief Anthony Anenih, NADECO brought together a diverse coalition of politicians, activists, intellectuals, and civil society groups united in their commitment to restoring democracy and ending military rule in Nigeria.

NADECO employed various strategies to pressure the military government, including mass protests, international lobbying, and diplomatic efforts.

One of its most significant achievements was mobilizing international support and raising awareness about the plight of Nigeria under military dictatorship.

The coalition also played a crucial role in sustaining the spirit of resistance among Nigerians, despite repression and crackdowns by the military regime.

NADECO’s activities inspired hope and solidarity among citizens who yearned for democratic governance and respect for human rights.

However, the struggle for democracy was not without its challenges. NADECO members faced harassment, arrest, and persecution by the military authorities.

Many were forced into exile, while others endured imprisonment and torture for their activism.

Despite the obstacles, NADECO’s resilience and perseverance ultimately contributed to the eventual transition to civilian rule in Nigeria.

The death of General Sani Abacha in 1998 and the subsequent ascension of General Abdulsalami Abubakar to power paved the way for democratic elections, which led to the inauguration of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.

Although NADECO’s role diminished after the return to democracy, its legacy remains significant in Nigeria’s political history.

It stands as a testament to the power of collective action and grassroots mobilization in the struggle for democracy and human rights.