Elder statesman Edwin Clark has issued a strong appeal to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, urging him to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic processes from what he describes as anti-democratic forces within the National Assembly. In a public letter, Clark commended Akpabio for his handling of Senate proceedings but expressed concerns over alleged violations of constitutional procedures in the legislative process.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to the 1999 Constitution, particularly concerning the passage of bills. Clark pointed out that some Senate members have not been adequately informed about bills before they are passed into law, which undermines transparency and due process.
One of Clark’s key concerns centers around a group he describes as “anti-democratic,” which he claims is attempting to exert control over the National Assembly and state-level governance. He warned that this group is allegedly preparing to influence local judiciary and government structures through unconstitutional amendments.
Clark referenced past incidents where National Assembly members were harassed and prevented from performing their duties, recalling the 2018 invasion of the legislative complex by armed Department of State Services (DSS) officers.
He emphasized that the National Assembly must act in accordance with the law and urged Akpabio not to allow this “dangerous group” to dominate public debates in state assemblies, particularly regarding constitutional amendments. Clark warned that Nigeria is at a critical juncture and urged all branches of government to adhere strictly to their constitutional responsibilities.
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Clark reminded Akpabio of the supremacy of the Constitution, asserting that no authority—including the judiciary, executive, or legislature—is above its binding force. He called on all political actors to prioritize the nation’s stability and unity.
Commending Akpabio’s leadership of the legislature thus far, Clark stated, “However, please permit me to bring to your attention some matters that may not be handled correctly in the National Assembly, considering your speech in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, during the flag presentation to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the forthcoming State Local Government elections.”
He added, “There is every need to follow laid-down procedures because they were not put in place arbitrarily; they, without doubt, provide for effective and democratic governance.
“It has been observed for some time now that there is a group that is anti-democratic, which does not want distinguished members to follow due process. It is also the reason why we have two different bills submitted on the same subject.
“This group in the 8th National Assembly intimidated, harassed, and physically attacked the National Assembly (NASS) without just cause, using Department of State Services (DSS) officials in combat uniforms to prevent members from accessing the complex, except for die-hard members/activists like Hon. Boma Goodhead, who were ready to sacrifice their lives to ensure that the right things were done.
“This action by the DSS led to the sacking of its then Director General (DG), Lawal Musa Daura, by Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was acting as President at the time.
“Lawal was replaced with Matthew Seiyefa, a professional who had just a year left before retirement. However, this laudable action was deemed unacceptable to President Buhari, who, upon his return to the country, removed Seiyefa from office and appointed Yusuf Bichi Magaji from Kano State, feeling that such a sensitive office should not be occupied by someone from the Niger Delta.
“Mr. Senate President, there is information circulating that this dangerous, anti-democratic group in the NASS is regrouping and aims to control their various state judiciaries and local governments.
“They want state accounts to be removed without debate, as provided in Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, as quoted above. This group of persons has won the congresses of their political parties in their respective states and is now waiting to take over the party structures through dubious means, as the NASS is the body that can amend the Constitution as provided.
“Please note that this country is divided, and it is in decline.
“This is the time for the various arms of government to perform their duties according to the law. Let us be wary of the ides of March.
“The purpose of this write-up, therefore, is to kindly appeal to you not to allow this nefarious group to hijack public debates in the various State Houses of Assembly, where the debates will be held, given the powers of the State Governors and some mischievous, ambitious, and ‘powerful’ politicians over their State Houses of Assembly.
“Everyone in this country is under strict compulsion to obey the Constitution.”
