Archibong Wants Nigeria To Do More On Democracy

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rose Mary Archibong wants Nigeria to live up to its billing as a democratic nation by upholding the rule of law and the principle of separation of powers.

Mrs. Archibong stated this in a keynote address at the 2019 University of Calabar Student Union Government Information Week grand finale, held at the International Conference Centre of the University.

The Commissioner, who described the Rule of Law and Separation of Powers as fundamental ingredients of democracy and good governance, decried the incessant executive’s interference in the affairs of other arms of government, citing example of the unconstitutional removal of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen, in spite of local and international condemnation, as damning to the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic status.

“The Federal Government’s continued detention of people perceived to be political enemies of the government of the day, even when granted bail by courts of competent jurisdiction, such as the case of Sambo Dasuki is eloquent for the absolute infringement and disregard for human rights and the rule of law,” the Commissioner further remarked.

The Information and Orientation Boss outlined executive over-bearance, lack of independence of the judiciary to perform its legal functions, institutional corruption, the nebulous scope of the doctrine of immunity in our constitution, absence of free, fair and credible elections, and gender inequality as some of the challenges bedeviling democracy and good governance in Nigeria.

She cited Cross River State, where the cordiality that exists among the three arms of Govt is devoid of abuse nor compromise of each sacred duty.

Enunciating some of the prospects for democracy to thrive in Nigeria, Mrs. Archibong noted that the media (press) must remain undaunted, despite harassment and acts of intimidation, mostly by the executive arm of government.

She emphasized that the emergence of the new media has enhanced the active involvement of the masses in disseminating information on infringement and breaches of the Rule of Law instantly to the global audience, hence eliciting international intervention.

The Commissioner solicited for a more robust public enlightenment and involvement of Civil Society Organizations to equip the citizens with the requisite knowledge and enhance the application of the Rule of Law in our developing democracy.

“The Rule of Law remains the panacea, not only for political stability, but it is the thread that runs through economic, social, environmental, human rights, gender equality and cultural development,” Mrs. Archibong concluded.