TheCable

Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, says Nigeria’s democracy is on trial, but he has taken comfort in the words of Nnamdi Azikiwe, which says “history will vindicate the just and the wicked will not go unpunished”.

Reacting to his arraignment and that of Senate President Bukola Saraki at a high court in Abuja for alleged forgery of the senate rule, Ekweremadu said “no condition is permanent and nothing lasts forever”.

He accused the federal government of abusing the principles of separation of powers and the rule of law.

“It is Senator Bukola Saraki and Senator Ike Ekweremadu today, who knows whose turn it will be next?” he asked in a statement.

“Let us make no mistake about this: it is not Senator Ike Ekweremadu or Senator Bukola Saraki or the other accused persons that are on trial; rather the hallowed democratic principles of separation of powers, rule of law, the legislature itself, and indeed democracy are on a ridiculous trial.

“It is deeply troubling to note that people in high places who swore to uphold the law have dwindled into purveyors of falsehood and rumours who seek to smear and tarnish the reputation of law-abiding and responsible citizens as well as cripple the hallowed institutions of democracy.

“It is all the more disheartening that people who should know better use the colour of their office to pursue private vendetta against people they disagree with.

“This grotesque display of vindictiveness, arrogance, and mindless targeting of innocent citizens should find no sanctuary in our democracy.

“Using the machinery of justice to create disorder is a dangerous and invidious scheme that ultimately will lead Nigeria down the road to perdition.

“Mere anarchy is unleashed upon the land, but our courage must not fall apart. No condition is permanent and nothing lasts forever.

“For me, I find great comfort in the immortal words of late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe who said that history will vindicate the just and the wicked will not go unpunished.”