Nigerian Civil Society Organisation Warns President Buhari's Government on Constitution

ABUJA, Nigeria, June 25, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New Nigeria Initiative (NNI), a Nigerian pro-democracy organisation, is deeply concerned about the stability of Nigeria's democracy and has warned President Buhari's Government against 'meddling with the Nigerian Constitution'. This follows reports that the Nigerian Government Executive is attempting to accuse leading members of the Nigerian Senate, including Senate President Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, of unsubstantiated charges of forgery and conspiracy.

Tracy Okoro, President of NNI said, "There is no evidence to justify the criminal charges. These so called 'allegations' were debated in the Nigerian Senate last year (2015) and found to have no merit at all. Yet still, these democratically-elected leaders continue to be pursued by the Nigerian Government Executive in a campaign against Nigeria's constitutional democracy."

Tracy Okoro, President of NNI went on to say, "We are currently facing an important time for democracy in Nigeria, with a wide range of serious issues to resolve such as poverty, housing and social care. We believe these charges are only serving the purpose of distracting the Nigerian Senate from the real issues at hand."

The NNI believes that the Nigerian Government Executive is attempting to influence the Nigerian Senate by disrupting its leadership team. In doing this, they are disregarding separation of powers and taking democratic power away from the people of Nigeria, who voted in order to be properly represented in the Nigerian Senate.

Stephany Onyewezi, Secretary of NNI said, "Whilst we agree with President Buhari's attempt to eradicate corruption within Nigeria, it should be done in an objective and measured way that respects the rule of law and not be above it."

The NNI calls upon the Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice look at the real the purpose of these unsubstantiated charges, as well as the evidential basis upon which they have been brought. We urge the government to respect Nigeria's democracy.

Notes to editors:  

1. The New Nigeria Initiative (NNI) is a non-profit organization that stands for "accountability and voice for human development. Founded in 2014 by a group of patriotic Nigerians, this group of young professionals believes that the "great challenge" facing Nigeria is to rebuild trust in government institutions so that they can provide the desired services to citizens.

2. For further enquiries contact Tracy Okoro at E: newnigeriagroup@gmail.com, M +2348172289055 or +2348187664636

SOURCE New Nigeria Initiative (NNI)