CISLAC Boss: True Democratic Process Will Prevent Questionable ‘Jankara Judgment’

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has said that if Nigeria is serious about winning the war against the political woes that have plaque her democracy in recent times, it must strengthen all the processes that will make it come out stronger.

Rafsanjani made this statement during an exclusive interview with Thisday at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in Washington DC, United States of America.

Rafsanjani said it is worrisome that the whole democratic system has been bastardised, as people of questionable characters now rely on the ‘weak’ judicial process to get to power instead of the democratic process where the masses vote for politicians.

According to him, the trend must be stopped through a solid electoral framework that will boost confidence in the country’s democracy and judiciary reform.

“It’s possible if we have reforms in the judicial sector, if we have reforms in the political sector if we have reforms in the way and manner our institutions work. It means that we can actually have true democracy. We can benefit from democracy, but not the kind of democracy we are seeing now where people possess power, use dirty money to capture power, and, of course, when they get in there, they will look for possible means to pay their sponsors.

He said, “So, election in Nigeria and public service is no longer about public service. It is about actually using the opportunity to amass wealth and a display of impunity. That is why we need to come back to the real democratic tenets and democratic practice, whereby we can reform the electoral process by voting in leadership that will respond to the yearning and aspiration of Nigerians in an honest.”

Speaking further, the CISLAC boss emphasised the need for a serious country to have visionary leadership, noting that such leaders’ vision and mission have triumphantly moved their countries into the realm of development through economy, alleviating suffering and poverty, tackling insecurity, and eliminating corruption.

He added, “This is the only way democracy can make meaning to Nigerians. This is the only way we can actually begin to address developmental challenges in Nigeria, including also improving our economy. If we don’t do that, the level of insecurity, corruption, indiscipline, and hopelessness in society will definitely overwhelm the nation.

And that is where we are today. And when the government at all levels must rise up to the occasion to respond to the challenges that we are facing with all sorts of patriotism and commitment to the nation building.”

Rafsanjani said the judiciary must uphold integrity at all times.

“Ideally, a judiciary is supposed to be an institution with a high profile of people with integrity, honesty, sincerity, impartiality, and dedication to justice in the country. Unfortunately, because of corruption and the way and manner in which the judiciary runs, many Nigerians are beginning to lose hope and confidence. This is really dangerous,” said Rafsanjani.

The activist added, “And if Nigerians have lost confidence in the administrative of judicial system, then you are actually promoting anarchy. That is why it is important for our judicial officers to understand that in the role they are playing, they are supposed to guarantee justice and fairness. If they don’t do that, it means that justice will continue to be for sale.”

He stressed that many Nigerians could not go to court to seek redress or to the police station because the system in the country “is failing” them.

“Therefore, it is a vote of no confidence on many poor people who cannot afford to pay a bribe to get justice in Nigeria,” he stated.