Oby Ezekwesili Speaks Out: Why Trust In INEC Has Been Shaken

Why the Constitution Matters: Oby Ezekwesili’s Bold Stand

Let’s cut straight to the chase. Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, isn’t one to mince words when it comes to defending the rule of law. In a recent statement, she emphasized that the Nigerian Constitution is, and should remain, the supreme law of the land. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. She made it crystal clear that the National Assembly must ensure all their actions and rules are in harmony with the Constitution. This is not just a suggestion; it's a necessity for maintaining the integrity of our democracy.

Lawmakers Under Fire: Prioritizing Rules Over the Constitution?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Ezekwesili took aim at Nigerian lawmakers, accusing them of putting their own rules ahead of the Constitution and the laws of the land. That’s a bold accusation, but she’s not backing down. Imagine this: the lawmakers are essentially playing by their own set of rules, disregarding the foundational principles that the nation was built upon. It’s like trying to build a house on sand—sure, it might look good for a while, but sooner or later, it’s bound to crumble.

Let me paint you a picture. Think about the United States. In the U.S., the Senate has its own set of rules, sure, but those rules don’t override the Constitution. Article I, Section 5 of the U.S. Constitution gives each house of Congress the power to create its own rules, but there’s a catch—they can’t conflict with constitutional principles. If they do, well, those rules are toast. Ezekwesili is essentially saying that Nigeria should take a page out of that playbook.

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The Lesson From Across the Atlantic

Ezekwesili used an example from the United States to drive her point home. She asked a simple yet powerful question: Do U.S. Senate rules supersede the U.S. Constitution? The answer is a resounding no. The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and all Senate rules must align with its provisions. This isn’t rocket science; it’s basic democracy 101. Senate rules might dictate how debates are conducted, how votes are cast, or how committees are structured, but they can’t trample on constitutional rights or powers.

If a Senate rule were to conflict with the Constitution, guess what happens? It gets thrown out. That’s how it works in the U.S., and Ezekwesili believes Nigeria should adopt the same mindset. She points out that Nigeria borrowed its presidential system from the U.S., so why not borrow the respect for constitutional principles as well?

What’s Really at Stake Here?

Ezekwesili isn’t just throwing stones without offering solutions. She’s sounding the alarm for citizens to wake up and take action. She’s urging Nigerians to stop enabling and endorsing democratic irregularities. The situation, she warns, is perilous. The "tail wagging the dog," as she puts it, is a dangerous precedent. It’s like letting the cart drive the horse. When the National Assembly places its own rules above the Constitution, it undermines the very foundation of democracy.

So, the question remains: How long will citizens sit back and allow this to continue? Ezekwesili believes the power to change lies in the hands of every Nigerian. It’s not just about politicians or lawmakers; it’s about the people standing up and demanding accountability. The answer, she says, is in each of our hands.

A Call to Action for Every Citizen

In her post on X (formerly Twitter), Ezekwesili laid it all out. She wrote, “#Democracy101: Stop Enabling and Endorsing Democratic Aberration, Citizens.” It’s a clear call to action. She challenges everyone to reflect on whether they’re willing to let this democratic erosion continue unchecked. It’s not just about pointing fingers; it’s about taking responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in safeguarding the principles that define our nation.

So, the next time you hear about lawmakers bending the rules or disregarding the Constitution, remember what Ezekwesili is saying. It’s time to hold them accountable. It’s time to protect the integrity of our democracy. And it’s time for every Nigerian to step up and make their voice heard. The future of the nation depends on it.

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