Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo,
has raised concerns over Nigeria’s governance, stating that the country is no longer operating as a true democracy due to widespread disregard for the rule of law by those in power.
Ewhrudjakpo made this assertion on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Faculty of Law, Niger Delta University (NDU), led by the Vice-Chancellor,
Prof. Allen Agih, at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Speaking during the visit, the deputy governor lamented the deteriorating state of governance in the country, warning that Nigeria is gradually sliding into lawlessness and anarchy.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, Ewhrudjakpo criticized the actions of the country’s leaders, accusing them of abusing power and failing to uphold democratic principles.
“No one should be under the illusion that Nigeria is a democratic society. What we have today is mere civilian rule, not democracy,” he stated.
He emphasized that a true democracy is built on the supremacy of the rule of law, warning that Nigeria’s current trajectory suggests a return to a period of brute force, disorder, and chaos.
“In a democracy, the rule of law is supreme. When leaders consistently ignore the rule of law, then there is no democracy. What we are witnessing today is a gradual descent into anarchy,” he warned.
Ewhrudjakpo also attributed Nigeria’s challenges to greed and a lack of selfless patriotism among those in power.
“The real problem is that those who have the power to change things for the better are more interested in accumulating wealth rather than serving the people,” he remarked.
He further criticized wealthy individuals who fail to give back to society, stating, “Apart from Dangote and a few others, many of our wealthy elites do not contribute to the development of society. Instead, they take more than they give.”
Tribute to Jimmy Carter, Commitment to Education
The deputy governor paid tribute to former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, acknowledging his immense contributions to healthcare and democracy in Africa. He expressed
regret that while global figures like Carter worked to strengthen democratic institutions, deliberate steps were being taken to undermine democracy in Nigeria.
“For me, I believe that at this stage of my life, I owe society it no longer owes me. That is my guiding principle and motivation. Whatever sacrifice I can make to give back, I will do it,” he affirmed.
Ewhrudjakpo also appreciated the Niger Delta University delegation for recognizing his contributions to the institution. He, however, urged them to extend even greater honor to Governor Douye Diri, who serves as the official visitor to the university.
Commitment to Improving Legal Education
Responding to the delegation’s requests, the deputy governor pledged that the Bayelsa State government would address critical challenges facing the Faculty of Law, particularly in the areas of:
Hostel accommodation for students.
Expansion of the e-library project to enhance research capabilities.
Upgrading infrastructure to meet accreditation requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Council for Legal Education.
Earlier, Prof. Allen Agih, Vice-Chancellor of Niger Delta University, expressed gratitude to Ewhrudjakpo for his unwavering support towards the development of the university, particularly the Law Faculty.
He commended the deputy governor for personally teaching law students at the institution despite his busy schedule, describing it as a rare display of intellectual commitment and selflessness.
Similarly, Dr. Gogo Otuturu, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, acknowledged Ewhrudjakpo’s dedication to academic excellence, noting that he teaches three different law courses at the university.
The visit culminated in the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, in recognition of Ewhrudjakpo’s immense contributions to the growth of legal education and Niger Delta University as a whole.
