Nigeria Is Not Practicing True Democracy – Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s democratic status, citing a widespread disregard for the rule of law by leaders and institutions.

Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Law Faculty of Niger Delta University (NDU), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Allen Agih, at the Government House in Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo asserted that Nigeria no longer meets the standards of a true democracy.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor warned that the abuse of power could lead the country into disorder.

“Nobody should be under any illusion that Nigeria is a democratic society. No, we are not a democratic society. We are merely wearing the toga of civilians, but there is no true democracy in this country, as far as I am concerned,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.

He emphasized that democracy is defined by adherence to the rule of law, warning that its absence could result in anarchy and chaos.

“Once the rule of law is not there, then there is no democratic system, and we are sliding towards the period of brute life, anarchy, and chaos. That is the way we see it from the angle of the law,” he added.

The deputy governor criticized the nation’s leadership, stating that those in positions of power have failed to drive positive change due to greed and a lack of patriotism.

“I believe that in our society today, those who have don’t give what they have to build society. Rather, what they do is to take more from society, which has made them what they are. Apart from Dangote and a few others, most people don’t give back to our society,” he noted.

Ewhrudjakpo also paid tribute to the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for his contributions to healthcare and democracy in Africa, while expressing regret over what he described as deliberate efforts to weaken democracy in Nigeria.