Save Nigerian Democracy, Wike Tells African Lawyers

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has called on African lawyers to work towards reviving democracy in Nigeria, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has used the police to destroy the foundation of democracy.
Wike stated that the APC was already laying the structures to rig the 2019 general elections through the promotion of indicted police officers.
Speaking during a State Banquet for members of the African Bar Association at the Government House, Port Harcourt, last Monday night, Wike stated that the police high command has promoted Akin Fakorede, the Rivers State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) Commander who was filmed at a collation centre rigging election and beating INEC officials.
He added that the police high command has also promoted Assistant Commissioner of Police, Steven Hasso, for his criminal role in the rigging of rerun elections on December 10, 2016.
The governor said: “They promised Nigerians change, but we are seeing nothing. The former President of Tanzania by his visit has done us much good. Through him, we will send a message to the world.
“Democracy in Nigeria is gone. By 2019, nobody should talk about democracy. One Akin Fakorede, who was caught on video rigging elections has been promoted. Stephen Hasso, who was also a culprit in the rigging of elections has been promoted. Both of them are to be positioned in Rivers State for 2019 to help the APC rig elections”, Wike alleged.
Speaking further, Wike said that the APC has made it a policy to intimidate and destroy the judiciary, so that they can consolidate on their reign of impunity and disregard for the rule of law.
He regretted that the situation has degenerated to the level that police had now taken over the duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by certifying election results for APC to use at tribunals.
Wike said that the police under the present dispensation have become a major stumbling block to the investment drive of the country as they deliberately generate insecurity.
He said: “The police are the ones promoting crime in Nigeria. Most of the kidnapping in the country are done by the police. We cannot continue like this, enough is enough”.
In his remarks, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Onueze Okocha, said that Rivers State was peaceful and always ready for investors.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) lauded Wike for justice sector reforms and the promotion of access to justice.