Democracy thrives when institutions are respected, the rule of law is upheld, and due process is followed. If we fail to address undemocratic practices at the state level, we risk creating an environment where such practices become acceptable at the federal level as well
By Timothy Odedina
Recent events in one of Nigeria’s states have sparked a national conversation about the limits of executive power and the sanctity of democratic institutions. A state governor’s decision to demolish the State House of Assembly, ostensibly for reconstruction, has been met with surprising support from some quarters. This action, though controversial, has been rationalized as necessary for progress. But if such actions are permissible at the state level, why not at the federal level? Dear President Tinubu, perhaps it is time to consider demolishing the National Assembly, convening 50 members, and pushing through your proclamation. After all, what is good for the state should be good for the federal government, shouldn’t it?
The demolition of a State House of Assembly is not just a physical act; it is a symbolic assault on democratic norms. When a governor can unilaterally decide to tear down a legislative building and operate with a handpicked group of lawmakers, it sets a dangerous precedent. It sends a message that democratic processes can be bypassed, that the rule of law is negotiable, and that power can be concentrated in the hands of a few. This is not governance; it is authoritarianism disguised as progress.
If such actions are tolerated at the state level, what is to stop the federal government from following suit? Imagine a scenario where you, Mr. President, decide to demolish the National Assembly, convene 50 members from both chambers, and push through a proclamation. The legality of such an action could be contested in court, but by the time a ruling is delivered—perhaps a year or more later—the damage to democratic institutions would already be done. Is this the kind of precedent we want to set for Nigeria’s democracy?
Let us act now to safeguard the future of our nation and prevent the erosion of the hard-won gains of our democratic journey. After all, what is good for the state should be good for the federal—but only if it upholds, rather than undermines, the principles of democracy
The adage “whatever is good for the state is also good for the federal” is often invoked to justify actions taken by state governments. However, this principle should not extend to undemocratic practices or the undermining of institutional integrity. Democracy relies on the rule of law, accountability, and respect for due process. When these principles are violated at any level of government, it weakens the foundation of democracy as a whole. Allowing such actions to go unchallenged at the state level creates a slippery slope that could embolden similar behavior at the federal level.
The Role of the Judiciary and the Illusion of Justice
The suggestion that contentious actions could be resolved through the courts, even if it takes a year or more for a ruling to be delivered, highlights a critical flaw in this approach. While the judiciary plays a vital role in upholding the rule of law, justice delayed can effectively become justice denied. By the time the courts issue a ruling, the political landscape may have shifted irreversibly, and the damage to democratic institutions may already be done. Democratic processes must be respected in real-time, not retroactively validated or invalidated by judicial intervention.
The phrase “awon oniranu” (the unreasonable ones) aptly describes those who engage in or support actions that undermine democratic institutions. However, the responsibility to uphold democracy does not lie solely with the unreasonable; it lies with all stakeholders, including citizens, civil society, the media, and the broader political class. If undemocratic actions are allowed to go unchallenged at the state level, it becomes increasingly difficult to condemn similar actions at the federal level. Consistency in upholding democratic norms is essential to maintaining the integrity of governance at all levels.
A Satirical Call to Reflect on Democratic Principles
Dear President Tinubu, while the suggestion to demolish the National Assembly and convene 50 members to approve your proclamation may sound absurd, it is a stark reminder of the dangerous precedent being set at the state level. Democracy thrives when institutions are respected, the rule of law is upheld, and due process is followed. If we fail to address undemocratic practices at the state level, we risk creating an environment where such practices become acceptable at the federal level as well.
The time to act is now—to protect our democratic institutions, demand accountability from our leaders, and ensure that the principles of democracy are upheld at all levels of governance. Let us not wait until the federal government follows the example set by the states. Let us act now to safeguard the future of our nation and prevent the erosion of the hard-won gains of our democratic journey. After all, what is good for the state should be good for the federal—but only if it upholds, rather than undermines, the principles of democracy.
•Timothy Odedina is a public affairs analyst and advocate for good governance. He writes on issues of national development, democracy, and economic policy.
•Opinions, positions or thoughts expressed here are personal and strictly of the writer/author and do not represent the views of The Daily Crucible.
