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American democracy’s Trump test
By Dakuku Peterside
There is currently no evidence to support the claim that democracy is a perfect system of governance. However, humans still need to figure out a better means to guarantee the freedom and consent of the governed. Democracy remains the most practical choice available. We must keep working on it until it accurately reflects our goals because it’s an evolving idea even after many years. Because Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, is fashioned after the United States (US) model of liberal presidential democracy, whatever threatens democracy in that land becomes of interest to us. Recent unsavoury developments around the candidature of Donald Trump called for Nigeria to look inward and reflect on the ability of the institutions to prevail over considerations of status and sentiments.
America, the flagship of democracy, may face its first real test of the elasticity of democracy and democratic institutions. For the first time in its history, there is a likelihood that Donald Trump may be campaigning from prison or as a convicted criminal to be elected as President of the US. A Manhattan Jury has convicted Donald Trump for falsifying business records to cover up a hush-money payment to a porn star. On July 11, a New York court will give him a sentence. This raises a moral conundrum, a constitutional issue, a dilemma for the party, electoral questions, and a logistics challenge.
Some pertinent rhetorical questions merit consideration: can Trump run for office, and what does the US Constitution say? Can the Republican Party replace Trump, and is there a precedence? Can the party system survive a deadly jolt in the event that the law eventually disqualifies Trump? Mr Trump is registered to vote in Florida, and the law of that state bars convicted people; can Mr Trump vote? Can Mr Trump be elected while in prison, and is there a constitutional provision to guarantee this? What if Mr Trump is convicted in other states where he is facing more criminal proceedings? What are the implications? These questions will test the US Constitution and presidential transition tradition as it has never done before.
Although I will not attempt to answer most of these rhetorical questions, I boldly posit some facts that deserve attention. The US Constitution does not disqualify a person convicted from running for the office of President. Consequent to the preceding, a court’s conviction of Donald Trump will not prevent or disqualify him from running for the said office. In the case of Nigeria, Section 137 lists grounds for disqualifying a person standing for election to the office of President, and it includes a trial Court conviction that must have taken place within a period of less than ten years before the date of the election to the office of President, and the said conviction must be in respect of an offence involving dishonesty or the person has been found guilty of the contravention of the Code of Conduct. In essence, not all court convictions apply in Nigeria. A sentence that does not border on fraud, financial crimes or forgery will not count or lead to the disqualification of a person running for President. We may recall that this issue arose at the last presidential election petition trial, and legal experts argued this point.
Besides, the US Constitution overrides any State law, particularly the Florida State law prohibiting a convict from voting. This Florida State Law will only apply if such a conviction occurred in Florida or was made by a Florida Court. In this way, Donald Trump has not been convicted by the State of Florida, and the said Florida State law will not apply or be enforced against him. However, while a convict can still run and win a presidential election in the US, the nature of the sentence may prevent him from occupying the office.
The implications of all of these are still on us. This marks the first-ever conviction of a sitting or former President in American history for a criminal offence. A triumph for accountability and the fundamental idea that no one in a democracy is above the law—not even the highest elected official—this momentous milestone is also a victory for soberness. Trump’s conviction shows how a working democratic system can achieve justice. It serves as a reminder that we cannot discuss democracy without bolstering the judiciary’s independence built on solid political culture and institutional resilience. This is a painful spot in Nigeria’s democratic journey right now. The only thing that can ensure the preservation of democracy and our freedom is an impartial, courageous, and independent judiciary.
The stress tests American democracy faces reveal the resilience and fragility of democratic systems, especially the institutions. Learning from these challenges allows Nigeria to build a more robust and responsive democracy. This stressor provides valuable insights into the strengths and vulnerabilities of democratic governance, which can be instructive for countries like Nigeria, which has a complex democratic landscape.
The first lesson is the supremacy of the rule of law. No one is above the law, and no matter how highly placed, they must be subjected to the accountabilities and dictates of the law. Reminding future generations that nobody is above the law in a democracy is essential, and we must strengthen our democratic institutions so they can withstand any bully. Creating strong institutional structures is vital to withstand the most heinous attacks on democracy.
The second lesson is that we must fortify the other two arms of government – the legislature and judiciary against executive capture. Any attack on democracy from the executive arm, either still in power or out of power, must be resisted by the legislature and judiciary. The legislature must make clear laws that can easily overcome divisiveness, not opaque ones that become easy political tools. The judiciary must dispense justice equitably and responsibly. The weaker a legislature or the judiciary is, the easier it is for leaders from the executive arm to exploit the system, either to expand their power or to take down an opponent. Furthermore, weak institutions of democracy could manipulate facts like supple political stupidity.
The third lesson is that the Nigerian state must declare a war on corruption and hold all corrupt people accountable. The fight against corruption should not be limited to politicians and politically exposed people but must cover corrupt businesses, public servants, and civil society. Like the case of Trump, his first conviction was not based on his action while in office but based on his seemingly private affair that hovers around how he handled his books and hush money for the porn star he was accused of having sexual entanglement. The question we must ask ourselves is, can a seemingly innocuous thing, albeit a crime, force a former president in Nigeria to be convicted of a felony? We know of media sleaze of infractions and alleged corruption by high-powered politicians, but after a while, we hear nothing again about the prosecution of the case, and sometimes we hear of such people receiving national awards or portfolios of office without being acquitted by a court of law for the alleged crime.
The fourth lesson is that no criminal should be allowed to become the President of Nigeria. Americans did not foresee a future where a strong candidate like Trump would emerge as a party frontrunner with convictions hanging on his neck, but now it has happened. The example of Eugene V. Debs, a socialist leader who appeared as a candidate from prison and ran for the presidency, should have guided their legal framework, but America has a way with a history that their democracy does not fall apart. That cannot be said of an emerging democracy like Nigeria. Just like it happened to us during the death of Umaru Yar’adua and for days, lawyers were struggling with the instrument to use until the “doctrine of necessity” was invoked, this is the best time to review the constitution to amend any ambiguity in our laws to protect our democracy.
The fifth lesson is that Nigeria must tackle economic inequality, which creates a huge class divide that makes some feel above the law. Policies to reduce economic disparities through education, healthcare, and social welfare programmes can strengthen social cohesion and democratic stability. Developing strategies that promote inclusive economic growth and providing opportunities for all segments of society is critical for maintaining long-term democratic health.
Nigeria must fortify its democratic foundations and ensure a stable and inclusive political future.
Building solid institutions and an excellent democratic political culture steeped in democratic principles and ethos de-emphasises the power of political agents, especially those so powerful that they exert a considerable influence on the entire political system. Everyone across the political divide must work collaboratively to defend our democracy. Encouraging dialogue across political divides and fostering a culture of bipartisan cooperation can mitigate polarisation. Civic education that promotes understanding and respect for diverse viewpoints is essential. We must protect our democracy at all costs!
By Umar Akilu Majeri Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has approved the Released of N3.5billion to support 30,000 farmers in the state mostly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was confirmed by State commissioner for Information Youth Support and Culture Hon. Sagir Musa while briefing newsmen on the outcome of state executive Council meeting yesterday.
He said the aim and objective is to support 30,000 poor and vulnerable groups under the FADAMA phase IV and V as presented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural resources to boost food security and improve livelihood.
According to him “Government in collaboration with world Bank seeks to mitigate these challenges and ensure that farmers are able to recover and sustain their livelihoods”
It was earlier reported that Governor Umar Namadi promised to support over 30,000 poor and vulnerable before the end of 2024.
He emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers in overcoming the economic setbacks brought about by the pandemic.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of its citizens and ensuring farmers continued with their productivity amidst ongoing global uncertainties.
Governor Namadi said the initiative is expected to not only mitigate the immediate impact of the pandemic but also contribute to long-term agricultural sustainability and economic growth within the state.
Under the programme farmers were supported with agricultural inputs and assets to vulnerable especially at rural areas.
The Jigawa State Taskforce Committee on Advocacy and Sensitization of Hadejia Wetland Game Reseeve to National Park Service has advocate to the community of Lafiyari in Guri Local Government Area to support the formal handover of Baturiya Game Reserve to the federal government.
The Chairman of the committee and the Jigawa Stare Head of Service, Alh. Muhd K. Dagacheri, emphasized the importance of upgrading the game reserve to a national park
He highlighted on the benefits of the National Park towards the improvement of social infrastructure, including roads, healthcare, education, electricity, water supply, and agriculture to the communities around.
He further emphasize that, the upgrades is aim to create jobs opportunities and improves the living standard of the
rural dwellers in that area .
The Head of Service who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Mins of Environment, Dr Abdullahi Namadi explained that the federal government has identify ten key game reserves across the country for upgrade to a National park service in which Baturiya Forest Reserve is Inclusive.
He Commended the effort of the present leadership in the state under Gov Namadi for setting up a state govt transition committee that will facilitate the formal handing over of the Baturiya Forest Reserve to the National Park Service..
Dr Namadi lament that, the jigawa state govt has approved the reconstruction of Hadejia , Baturiya ,Kadira , Guri Road to give access road network within the Villages around the forest Reserve to facilitate transportation of farm produce.
In his welcome address the Acting Chairman of Guri Local Government, who is the Director Admin and General Services, Comrade Muhammed Gudaji Kazaure commended the state government for selecting Baturiya Forest Reserve to be a National Park Service .
He assured full local govt support and cooperation to ensure smooth and peaceful takeoff of the forest reserved.
In his fatherly address the District Head of Kadira, Dan Majen Hadejia Alh Abbass Haruna urged Village and Ward Heads, Fulani Heads( Lamido,s) and Relevant Key Stakeholders of the District to Mobilise thier Communities to ensure proper and convenient take off of the Baturiya Forest Reserve which is extended to Lafiyari Village in Guri local govt area.
By Seun Ibiyemi
As Nigeria continues to harness the potential of its maritime sector, experts have advocated for sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health and productivity of its blue economy.According to various experts who spoke at the sixth edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Nigeria needs to take seriously the issue of policies and stringent regulations that support environmental protection, economic efficiency, and social responsibility.
According to Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, SIFAX Group, the industry needs to be strategic and decisive about sustainability as well as exploiting the range of business opportunities that the blue economy presents.
He said: “There are diverse opportunities in the industry beyond the traditional shipping and port operations. The newly-created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has to expand its scope to provide policies and regulations that will guide investors’ foray into areas like coastal tourism and renewable energies.
This, however, must be done in a sustainable manner that will protect the ocean ecosystem and provide benefits for the coming generations.”
Renowned maritime lawyer and keynote speaker, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, who Mr Victor Onyegbado represented, harped on the importance of achieving sustainable shipping as a nation, through ethical conduct, improved port operations and adequate legislation within the industry.
According to him, it is imperative to achieve this system in order to build a maritime industry that is functional, providing resources that transcends generations.
“Sustainable shipping is the backbone of a resilient and thriving global economy. We all know that shipping carries the bulk of world trade and it encompasses practices that ensure long-term health of our oceans while meeting the economic and logistical demands of global trade.
“The significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is not only timely but also crucial as we navigate the evolving dynamics of the global, regional, and sub-regional maritime industry. This ministry is pivotal for innovative policy development and sustainable practices that will drive Nigeria’s maritime sector forward”, he stressed.
Examining the state of the nation’s maritime ecosystem, Akabogu reiterated the need to draw up innovative approaches and diversified economic activities to drive growth and sustainability.
He further explained that this was particularly important for the Ministry to consider as there are several other non-shipping stakeholders within the industry.
On his part, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr Temisan Omatseye emphasised the digitization of the industry as well as the development of a national maritime strategy.
He noted further that developing key performance indicators will have a positive impact on human capital development and service delivery.
“We need to move away from where the sector is dependent on human beings and begin to be a bit more AI-compliant in our processes. Two, the industry is also due for a national maritime policy that will provide the roadmap for its development. Right now, Nigeria does not have an approved national maritime policy, which says clearly what our policies are, and also something that also powers what we call a national maritime strategy”, he stated.
The Conference, themed: “A Blueprint for Sustainable Shipping: The Significance of the Nigerian Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy” featured key discussions and interactive sessions amongst experts, industry key players, and students alike.
Sanwo-Olu unveils luxury apartments, sets new housing standard in Lagos
COVID-19: Jigawa Govt approves N3.5b to support farmers
