The Nigerian Bar Association has categorically maintained that Nigeria is not really practicing genuine democracy.
The NBA made the assertion in a statement on Friday, in commemoration of June 12, Democracy Day.
“June 12 symbolises the power and democratic will of the people over dictatorship and authoritarian rule.
“The Nigerian version of Democracy lacks the semblance of what true democracy represents, and sadly, some of our political leaders act like emperors over a conquered people.
“In a true democracy, the political class do the bidding of the people, not the other way round.
“27 years after the martyrdom of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Nigeria has yet to experience true democracy,” the NBA stated.
The umbrella body of all lawyers in the country posited that “The will of Nigerians is yet to find expression in the governance of the country”.
It added that “The rule of law is daily threatened and subjugated, human rights abuse is still rife amongst our security agencies and, the independence of the judiciary has come under attack with undue interferences by the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
“Without a virile and courageous judiciary, democracy in Nigeria and the rule of law will remain a mirage,” NBA said.
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