Electoral reforms: Sen. Adeyemi reprimanded over preference for military rule

Senator Smart Adeyemi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, came under heavy criticism on the floor of the Senate yesterday over his preference for military government.

Sen. Adeyemi, while contributing to a debate on a bill for an Act to establish the National Electoral Offences Commission said electoral matters are better handled under military regime than a democratic

government populated by leaders who got elected through rigging. 

Contributing, the said without any fear of contradiction that there cannot be democracy in any nation where there is no free and fair election.

“The bad governance, misappropriation of public funds and all the shortcomings that we have witnessed over the years of democratic rule are as a result that people of questionable characters find their ways to elective positions.

“I think the time has come for us not just to look at the possibility of having a tribunal; I think there is a need for special courts for electoral offences. 

“One can be tempted to say that military government is better than democratic government,” Sen. Adeyemi concluded.

He was quickly interjected by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who reminded him that the country is under democracy.

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Lawan said that “I am not sure if this is a popular position in this chamber. I am saying that having people rigged into executive position is the worst thing that can happen.

“I have said it over the years that military government is the worst, but it is even worst when you have people that are forcing themselves on the people.” 

Some other senators also disagreed with Adeyemi with Sen. James Manager (Delta South) stating that the submissions made by Sen. Adeyemi are personal to him. 

“So we don’t have to worry so much because some of the issues he raised are not popular inside this chamber and I think he is entitled to his opinion,” Sen. Manager added.

In his reaction Sen. Albert  Akpan said it was unfortunate that the 2019 elections were conducted with the 2010 Electoral Act as amended.

“How I wish we inject some innovation based on the experience we had in 2015 with amendment to the Electoral Act in 2019 before the general elections. I believe that democracy still remains the most successful form of governance,” the senator said. 

Sen. George Sekibo said that “first of all, we have to forgive ourselves and forgive Nigerians. We would not say that democracy is not good and that the military is better.

“No, that is not true. We are to make it good that is why we are here. It is not democracy when you hijack ballot boxes even when you are caught, you are not punished.”