Tambuwal Decries ‘Prison Yard Democracy’ Under Buhari

Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has condemned what he termed “prison-yard democracy and high-handedness of some security agencies” under the present government.

In a statement on Tuesday, Tambuwal called on Nigerians to reject in strong terms activities of some security agents who have taken it upon themselves to shackle the rights of a few “as if we now run a nation of helpless inmates”.

The governor was reacting to recent happenings in Benue state and Abuja, where security operatives laid siege to the homes of Senate President Bukola Saraki and his deputy Ike Ekweremadu.

Also, In Makurdi, the Benue State Capital, men of the Nigerian Police took over Benue House of Assembly, preventing workers to gain access into the premises.

The security operatives reportedly allowed only lawmakers loyal to the All Progressives Congress and against the governor Samuel Ortom, into the premises.

The move was seen as an attempt to out governor Ortom, who dumped the APC for the Peoples Democratic Party days back.

But Tambuwal in his reaction, described the developments as aberrations that go against the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“Nigerians must, in strong terms, say no to prison-yard democracy, where the rights of the citizenry are shackled to the caprices of a few as if we now run a nation of helpless inmates,” he said.

“If the people of Nigeria are so unfortunate to endure the growling nightmare occasioned by deprivation of most things that a democracy should ordinarily provide. If they are now accustomed to the pangs of hunger, unemployment, shabby infrastructure, poor healthcare and general hopelessness, they should, in the interest of democracy and the youths, stand against anything that has the potential of robbing them of their inalienable rights to live and make choices as free citizens.

“These are unfortunate incidents, an aberration, a reprehensible attack on the fundamental human rights and privileges of fellow Nigerians and a direct attack on our fledgeling democracy. We should condemn this crass and impudent exhibition of uncivilized conduct so that we can keep peace and maintain a civilized society.

“Democracy is about freedom, of choice and association. It is about the people and the supremacy of the will of the people. Democracy loses its essential value when the overall interest of the people takes a back seat in any supposedly democratic setting.

“Any attempt to bully people out of their legitimate, democratic choices is a war against democracy, the rights of the citizenry, that power this unique people-oriented system of governance.

“I also call on our leaders at all levels, to guard their utterances, in order not to drive our nation further down the path of divisiveness and ethnic/religious mistrust. Let us water our democracy, using the fountains of equity, fairness and justice for all.”