Chief Niyi Aborisade, a lawyer, human rights activist, historian, author, poet and politician, is the founder of the National Movement for Positive Change (NMPC).
What’s your assessment of the current political temperature in the country?
The current president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was sworn in on May 29, 2023 and in his maiden address to the people of Nigeria, he mentioned specifically what appeared to be a taboo or what was avoided by all the previous presidents of the country. ‘Fuel subsidy is gone. He also rolled out another policy on the foreign exchange. For the first time in the history of Nigeria, he handed over the foreign exchange to the outsider. That is, foreign currencies can now be determined by the market and no longer by the central bank. In other words, he is allowing the market forces to determine the value of the Naira.
The combined policies have brought untold hardship to the people of Nigeria, and the masses are at the breakpoint. To the masses, it appeared that we have reached the famous signs of last days of which Paul wrote to Timothy about: the days when men become selfish and wicked, etc. The hunger in the land is unprecedented, the political temperature is at the highest level, the country is divided along ethnic group but since the hunger knows no difference between ethnic or tribal group, the people are united in hunger and they are all clamouring for divine intervention; they need immediate relieve. The famous palliative introduced by the government is nothing but a scam.
The opposition in Ghana recorded an upset in the recent presidential election, where its candidate won against the ruling party. The opposition in Nigeria has latched on it to say that ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should prepare for defeat in 2027. How realistic is such a claim and what do you believe to be the implications of the election in Ghana for Nigerians and their country generally?
The recent election in Ghana is a perfect example of what democracy is all about. Ghana organised a profound and credible election that produced a clear winner where the opposition congratulated the winner before the result was even announced. The election is a joy and sounds like beautiful songs in the ears of all genuine democrats. ‘So we can do it in Africa’ were the words in the mouths of the people. Nigeria needs a lot to learn from the credible election in Ghana. Nigeria can no longer say that it is because of our heterogeneous society that is hindering a credible election, because Ghana is one of the African countries with the most ethnically heterogeneous societies. We should go back to the drawing board and fashion out a new election strategy that will deliver a credible, free, and fair election. The only time that the Nigerian system worked perfectly was on 12, June 1993, in the election which produced the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. Unfortunately, the then [military ruler], General Badamosi Babangida, annulled the election.
But while some Nigerians argue that the problem of the country has to do with the the people themselves who encourage impunity instead of allowing the institutions to work, others contend that the issue is the structure on ground. As a stakeholder, how can we make sure there’s a remarkable improvement in the existing electoral system and process?
We can do it; where there is a will there is always a way. As I have stated above, we need to re-strategise; we need to come out of our cocoon of ethnic bigotry. The citizens also have their roles to play. They should reject cash for votes and should not allow anyone to purchase their conscience. The electoral officers need proper orientation and the importance of their obligations to the people of Nigeria. They are the tools in the hands of politicians that are being used to rig the elections.
Are there evidence and indices that the authorities are taking deliberate steps to guarantee a paradigm shift in the next general election in Nigeria and how?
The evidence and indices clearly show that the government is not doing anything and is not taking any conscious or unconscious steps to guarantee a paradigm shift in the next general election. The reason is not [far to seek] they want to maintain the status quo that produced them and to retain them in power. Why change what is working for you? They are not conscious of the fact that when the people are pushed to the wall, they will fight back. Operation wet e of 1965 is still in my mind. We don’t pray for a revisitation of such a time again, but the government must listen to the cries of the people.
Do you agree with critics that money is playing a dysfunctional role in politics in Nigeria and why do you think so?
I fully agree that money is playing a dysfunctional role in Nigeria politics. The politicians are taking advantage of poverty and hunger to force people to vote for them. They lured them with money and bought them out. As you are well aware, without a substantial amount of money, even as a citizen, you cannot contest the election. You have to purchase a party form from your own party at exorbitant fees. You have to start spending money from day one that you show your interest. It is difficult for a genuine candidate without adequate funds to contest election. The charlatans are the one making waves having acquired their unrighteous money through crooked ways, but they have it in abundance.
The Ibadan NBA chapter is marking its 70th anniversary. How will you capture its trajectories over the years?
The NBA are doing their own thing and still retain the level of independence. They are one of the few organisations that the younger ones are really fighting for change. The emergence of Olumide Akpata in 2020, who for the first time in the history of NBA is not a SAN but became the president of NBA through the efforts of the younger generation, is a testament that there is hope for this country. Over the years, the NBA has contributed their own, but like every organisation in Nigeria, they have their challenges, and they are being politicised as well. I think they have been infiltrated.
What’s so significant about the Ibadan chapter and the anniversary?
In the United Kingdom, the legal profession is split into two. We have solicitors who are members of the law society and the barristers who are members of the Bar Council. In Nigeria, once you finish and pass your exam at the Law School, you are automatically a solicitor and barrister. I believe this system is better than that of the United Kingdom. However, the judicial system in the UK is devoid of corruption, and justice cannot be bought. There has been a serious allegation against the judicial system in Nigeria to the extent that a sitting judge then, Justice Walter Onoghen, was picked up at his home on the allegation of corruption during the Buhari regime.
The recent imbroglio that led to the arrest and incarceration of the human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was premised on his allegation of corruption in the judiciary. The judiciary in Nigeria has at one time or the other contributed to the political problems in Nigeria, and many judges have messed about. There have been issues that had been determined at the federal high court, but some state high courts still sat on the same matter. So many examples abound. Our judicial system needs a thorough reformation if we really want to enjoy the benefits and dividends of democracy in this country. We want the judiciary to remain as the last hope of the common man.
As a lawyer and activist, do you see anything wrong in the kind of relationship that exists between the executive and the legislative arms at the federal and state levels? Is it to the benefit of the citizens?
I believe that for the smooth running of the government, there should be cohesion of all the three arms of the government within the framework of the constitution, but there should be checks and balances and the independence of the three arms should be maintained. The executive should not seek to influence the legislature or judiciary. The judiciary should not compromise its duty and the separation of power should be maintained. Cohesion means that the judiciary should correctly interpret the law made by the legislature as befitting in a democratic society; the executive must ensure that the orders of the court is properly carried out to the letters. On no account should the executive have overbearing influence on the judiciary and the appointment of the judges.
You appear strongly attached to the Yoruba traditional institution and you are a high-ranking chief in Ibadan land. Is your doggedness in that regard not antithetical to your obvious radical mien and posture as a pro-democracy and rights activist?
Yoruba tradition has always been democratic before the advent of the Europeans and the introduction of Western democracy in Nigeria. The Alaafin of Oyo empire then had Oyomesi (the chiefs in council), and he could not take any decision without the inputs of the Oyomesi. The selection of the Alaafin amongst the potential princes is done through the Oyomesi. There is also the Olubadan of Ibadan and the Council of High Chiefs. They served as checks and balances. In our modern society, the constitution is supreme, and all the kings and the chiefs are operating under the constitution, and, therefore, we are part of the democratic system. For example, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a one-time governor of Oyo State, is a high chief, next to the throne of Olubadan. He is a democrat and a politician. The chiefs must fight and defend the right of their people and so being a human rights activist is part or should be part of the traditional system.
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