Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, stating it failed to address Nigeria’s pressing democratic challenges. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Adegboruwa said the President’s address merely rehearsed historical events without offering solutions to current issues. “The President’s speech was not different from what columnists would write about the history of Nigeria,” Adegboruwa remarked.
He pointed out that despite Tinubu’s past advocacy for democracy during the June 12 elections annulment, his current administration has not met the expectations of Nigerians. Adegboruwa emphasized that the President’s speech should have focused on actionable steps to address the nation’s democratic shortcomings rather than recounting historical events.
Adegboruwa highlighted several areas where the administration has fallen short. He noted that Nigerians were expecting significant improvements in federalism and electoral processes, which were central to the June 12 advocacy. However, he argued that the elections that brought Tinubu to power were marred by irregularities, and the situation has deteriorated since. “Can we still describe ourselves as heroes of democracy? I would say no,” Adegboruwa asserted.
He also criticized the government’s handling of issues such as wrongful detentions, banditry, and regional agitations. According to Adegboruwa, Democracy Day should have been an occasion for the President to present a clear roadmap for achieving true democracy in Nigeria. He questioned the government’s commitment to constitutional amendments and restructuring efforts. “What are we doing to amend the Constitution? When will we start the journey of true federation?” he asked.
Despite his criticisms, Adegboruwa acknowledged the judiciary’s essential role in maintaining democracy. He praised the courts and judges for their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic progress. “The judiciary is still the gateway to democracy, and we must commend our judges,” he said.
Adegboruwa highlighted that President Tinubu has personally benefited from judicial interventions, recalling his numerous legal battles during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State. He emphasized the judiciary’s role in protecting democratic principles and ensuring justice. “Even the president is a beneficiary of democracy, from the judiciary’s perspective,” Adegboruwa noted.
Adegboruwa’s remarks underscore a broader dissatisfaction with the current administration’s performance. His critique highlights the need for substantial changes and a more proactive approach to addressing Nigeria’s democratic issues. As Democracy Day serves to reflect on the nation’s democratic journey, Adegboruwa’s call for action is a reminder of the ongoing work needed to achieve true democratic governance.
He called for the immediate release of all Nigerians wrongfully held in custody, stating that true democracy cannot be achieved while these injustices persist. “If indeed it’s a day to commemorate democracy, all Nigerians wrongfully held should be released,” Adegboruwa stated.
Adegboruwa also addressed issues of federalism and national security, which he believes are crucial for Nigeria’s democratic health. He questioned why the country continues to face significant security challenges, including banditry and regional agitations. “What are people agitating for? Why are there still issues of banditry? Why is IPOB agitating? Why is there a crisis in the South West?” he asked.
He stressed that the government needs to provide a comprehensive plan to address these security concerns and move towards true federalism. According to Adegboruwa, occasions like Democracy Day should offer a roadmap for achieving these goals. “I thought occasions like this would give us a roadmap to achieve true democracy,” he said.
Adegboruwa emphasized the need for constitutional amendments and restructuring to reflect the true federal nature of Nigeria. He criticized the government for not taking concrete steps towards these reforms. “When are we going to start the journey of true federation, restructuring? When are we going to get to the stage where the judiciary will become the bastion of our democratic experience?” he questioned.
He reiterated that the President’s speech should have addressed these critical issues, providing a clear vision for the country’s democratic future. Adegboruwa’s call for substantial reforms underscores the urgent need for the government to act decisively in addressing these longstanding challenges.
Adegboruwa’s criticism of President Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech highlights a significant gap between the government’s rhetoric and the expectations of the Nigerian people. His remarks reflect a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction and the urgent need for actionable steps to address the country’s democratic challenges. As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the call for true federalism, security, and judicial reforms remains at the forefront of national discourse.
