Recent developments in Nigeria, across socio-political and economic divides, have converged to lend credence to the belief that lack of sound advice has led to various avoidable problems especially in the sphere of policy formulation and implementation. Among those ill advised policies was the deregistration of political parties recently by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Incidentally, Advanced Nigerian Democratic Party, ANDP was one of the deregistered parties. A Lagos attorney and National Chairman of ANDP, Barrister Charles Ogboli, in this exclusive interview with OpenLife’s Staff Writer, Isaac Ngumah, bares his mind on the state of the nation
What progress have you made in court over INEC’s deregistration of your party and 73 others?
We are already in court and there is a stay of execution. INEC did not challenge our application against them. Collectively, ANDP and other political parties are putting a strong defence
to upturn their decision based on the fact that their decision does not comply with the electoral act.
Do you see INEC decision as unfortunate?
Yes, the decision taken by INEC is unfortunate and illegal which amounts to fraud. It should however be noted that illegality is not pleaded in law, their action is” malafidel”
What are your views about the persuasions for Supreme Court to review judgments?
Supreme Court cannot reverse its judgment except in certain circumstance. Lawyers are aware of that.
In the case of Bayeslsa for instance, APC was aware that their deputy governorship candidate has multiple names attached to his result and the law is very clear. The decision taken by the Supreme court is in order
There have been recent calls for the President to resign over insecurity in the country. What is your take?
The President inherited this insecurity. A call for his resignation is uncalled for and unacceptable
What of the service chiefs ?
The service chiefs have tried their best. What we need is a strong institution and not strong men. The federal Government should equip the military. I am not in support of disengaging them.
Will ANDP contest in Edo and Ondo guber election later this year?
Our party will participate in the Edo and Ondo States governorshipelections.
What can you say on the call to restructure Nigeria?
I am in support of restructuring. That is the only way out
How does the review of the constitution and revisit of the national confab strike you?
The review of the constitution is not the problem of our country. The problem is corruption. As I earlier pointed out, what we need is strong institution and not strong men. I am also in support of the national confab if that will restore peace in our country.
What can you say about President Buhari’s style of leadership?
In every leadership, there must be criticism. I am hundred percent in support of his leadership going by his performance in fighting corruption, enthroning sustainable food sufficiency through agriculture and infrastructural development. The recent conviction of some governors is a remarkable legacy.
Is Amotekun is way to securing the environment?
Yes, Amotekun is a welcome development. Nigerians should secure themselves.
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