Nigeria sliding towards lawlessness, anarchy — Bayelsa deputy gov
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the country is drifting towards anarchy due to widespread disregard for the rule of law.
Ewhrudjakpo made the remarks on Wednesday when a delegation from the Law Faculty of the Niger Delta University, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Allen Agih, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Yenagoa.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor lamented that Nigeria was merely wearing the façade of democracy while its leaders and institutions consistently undermine the rule of law.
He said, “Nobody should be under the illusion that Nigeria is a democratic society. We are only dressed in civilian attire, but there is no real democracy here.
“Once the rule of law is disregarded, there is no democracy. What we have is a system gradually descending into a state of brute life, anarchy, and chaos.”
Ewhrudjakpo expressed concern that the unchecked abuse of political power could further destabilize the country.
He blamed the situation on leaders who, instead of working for the collective good, prioritize personal gains over national development.
The deputy governor paid tribute to the late former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, for his contributions to democracy and healthcare in Africa.
He also commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote and a few other Nigerians for their philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare.
“I believe that at this stage of my life, I owe society—it no longer owes me. That is my guiding principle. Whatever I can do to contribute, I will continue to do,” he added.
Ewhrudjakpo assured the visiting delegation that the state government would address some of the challenges facing the Law Faculty, including hostel accommodation and the expansion of the e-library, ahead of the next accreditation visit by the National Universities Commission and the Council for Legal Education.
Earlier, Prof. Agih said the visit was to appreciate the deputy governor for his unwavering support to the university, particularly the Law Faculty.
He noted that Ewhrudjakpo’s dedication to lecturing law students despite his official responsibilities was commendable.
The Acting Dean of the Law Faculty, Dr. Gogo Otuturu, also praised Ewhrudjakpo for handling three law courses despite his busy schedule.
He urged the government to address infrastructural deficits, including the construction of a befitting faculty building, improved hostel facilities, and an extension of the university’s solarisation project.
The visit ended with the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to the deputy governor in recognition of his intellectual and sacrificial contributions to the growth of the Law Faculty and the university.
