BREAKING: Nigeria no longer qualifies as a true democracy, says Bayelsa deputy governor

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has expressed concerns over Nigeria’s democratic status, citing widespread disregard for the rule of law by the country’s leaders and institutions.

Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Law Faculty of Niger Delta University (NDU), led by Vice Chancellor Prof. Allen Agih, at the Government House in Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo asserted that Nigeria no longer qualifies as a true democracy.

In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor lamented that the abuse of power could plunge the country into disorder.

“Nobody should be under any illusion that Nigeria is a democratic society. No, we are not a democratic society. We are merely wearing the toga of civilians, but there is no true democracy in this country, as far as I am concerned,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.

He further stated that democracy is defined by adherence to the rule of law, warning that its absence signals a descent into anarchy and chaos.

“Once the rule of law is not there, then there is no democratic system, and we are sliding towards the period of brute life, anarchy, and chaos. That is the way we see it from the angle of the law,” he added.

Ewhrudjakpo criticized the nation’s leadership, stating that those with the power to bring positive change have failed to do so due to greed and a lack of patriotism.

“I believe that in our society today, those who have don’t give what they have to build society. Rather, what they do is to take more from society, which has made them what they are. Apart from Dangote and a few others, most people don’t give back to our society,” he noted.

The deputy governor also paid tribute to the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter for his contributions to healthcare and democracy in Africa.

He expressed regret over deliberate efforts to undermine democracy in Nigeria.