Senator Seriake Dickson has cautioned political actors against actions and rhetoric that undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes.
Speaking at a workshop organized by the Nigeria Civil Society Alliance for Democratic Change in Asaba, the Bayelsa West lawmaker said certain public utterances and behaviors by politicians are posing serious threats to the country’s democratic stability.
He urged such individuals to desist for the sake of national unity and democratic growth.
The lawmaker, who spoke on the theme: “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Democracy Through Unity and Resolve”, said the actions of some politicians had weakened democratic institutions and pushed the country deeper into crisis.
“The Nigerian political class is not helping our democracy and you guys (civil society) should not let it happen. It is bringing Nigeria down; it is making this country look small,” he said.
He lamented that most politicians put their personal interests above national development.
According to him, these actions of the political class erode trust in democratic institutions, threatening the stability and legitimacy of the system.
On spate of defection presently ongoing in the country, Dickson decried the situation whereby politicians frequently defected from their parties, abandoning the mandates under which they were elected.
He said that such actions undermined the democratic process and indicated a lack of faith in the system.
Dickson emphasised that the constitution was clear on the consequences of defecting, adding that politicians often ignored these provisions, highlighting a disregard for the rule of law.
The senator also noted that many Dickson expressed concern that many politicians had little respect for the judiciary, often attempting to influence judgments and undermine the impartiality of the courts.
He expressed frustration with the alleged subversion of institutions like the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing politicians of manipulating them to rig elections and silence opposition.
”Many of our politicians don’t even care how the world looks at Nigeria, with a deep disregard for constitutionalism and democratic norms.”
He described the judiciary as being “helpless” and often reduced to just reading body language” instead of interpreting the law.
According to him, court rulings have become predictable tools in the hands of some politicians.
Dickson also alleged that politicians sought to control INEC to compromise election results, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“Many politicians exploit security agencies to rig elections, intimidate opponents, and silence critics, further eroding trust in democratic institutions,’’ he further alleged.
“The civil society movement has a critical role to play in holding politicians accountable and promoting democratic values’’, he said.
He said that strengthening democratic institutions, promoting free and fair elections, and ensuring accountability were essential to Nigeria’s democratic development.
NAN reports that the workshop was attended by civil society leaders, activists, and academics from across the country.
