Ex Minister of State for Education, Olorogun Kenneth Gbagi has begged the Federal Government to tread carefully with Mr. Omoyele Sowore, because doing anything against the constitution can threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
In a recent chat with Vanguard, Gbagi bared his mind on the battle between both parties.
His words, “The circumstances of this matter is volatile and as such the government must tread very carefully as any step contrary to the intendment of the constitution will open a floodgate of abuse, suppression and this is not good for a nascent democracy such as ours.”
“First, it is pertinent to emphasize that by virtue of Section 1(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and the decision of the Supreme Court in MARWA & ORS V. NYAKO & ORS (2012) SC, the Constitution is supreme and as such, the fundamental human rights of a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is absolute to such extent allowed by the same Constitution.”
“More particularly, the Constitution under Section 39(1) guarantees the right to Freedom of expression.”
“Given the circumstances under review, you cannot, on the basis of your rights, call for the supplanting of a democratically elected government save for plebiscite, periodic elections or by a process of impeachment duly initiated and perfected by 1/3 majority of the National Assembly.
“On the heels of the above, one must refrain from making inflammatory, mutinous or treasonous statements, however, how beautifully worded.
“Similarly, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has held in Asari Dokubo v. F.R.N that National Security far supersedes the right of anyone individual.”
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