Barr. Hamza , Legal practitioner, Rights Activist Scores Tinubu Administration low

Hamza Nuhu Dantani, an Abuja based legal practitioner and right activist has scored president Ahmed Bola Tinubu administration low in his two years in office as the president and commander -in – chief .

While reflecting on his democratic credentials the Abuja based legal practitioner stated that Tinubu’s administration and actions have crippled Nigeria’s democracy, turning it’s into a mirage for millions of citizens

In barely two years, Tinubu’s administration and actions have crippled Nigeria’s democracy, turning its dividends into a mirage for millions of citizens.
” From constitutional violations to the suppression of opposition and the subjugation of democratic institutions, the president’s tenure has been marked by a relentless assault on the very principles June 12 is meant to uphold.”

The human rights activist joined millions of Nigerian to commemorate the annulment of June 12 won by late Chief MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in 1993
While advocating for adherence to the Constitution of Nigeria as the supreme law of the land, Hamza lamented that it is this constitution the Tinubu administration has continued to trampled upon as the president of Nigeria

“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the supreme law of the land; it reflects the values and aspirations of our nation and defines the powers and responsibilities of government. President Tinubu’s administration has repeatedly shown disregard for our constitution. A glaring example is his declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, where he unlawfully suspended a democratically-elected governor and sacked elected representatives of the people.”

“This move, devoid of constitutional backing, replaced a legitimate government with a military administrator, effectively imposing military rule in a state within a supposedly democratic federation. How can Nigeria claim to celebrate Democracy Day when one of its states is under martial law?”

“The Rivers State crisis is particularly telling because it was governed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), an opposition party to Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). By targeting an opposition-controlled state, Tinubu has sent a chilling message: dissent will not be tolerated. This has created an atmosphere of fear, compelling opposition figures to either defect to the APC or remain silent.”
Just as thousands of Nigerians gathered in Lagos and Abuja to protest against bad governance in Nigeria on Thursday,
Barrister Hamza, stated that “governors like Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori and Umo Eno of Delta and Akwa Ibom states and Kawu Sama’ila of Kano State, respectively, have defected to the APC as a direct consequence of this intimidation, signaling a dangerous slide toward a one-party state. When opposition parties are intimidated into silence or forced into compliance, the nation slides closer to autocracy.”

The rights activist came hard on the Leadership of the National Assembly saying that
“Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. When power is unchecked, its potential for abuse increases exponentially. The National Assembly, which was meant to serve as a check on executive power, has become a compliant tool in Tinubu’s hands. Regardless of merit, bills sponsored by the president are passed with little to no scrutiny, betraying the legislature’s constitutional role.”

“For instance, the National Assembly approved the extension of Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun’s tenure beyond its legal expiration without public debate, without releasing its consequences, proving that the National Assembly no longer acts on behalf of the people but at the president’s behest.”
Continue he stated that” The most outrageous display of legislative betrayal occurred when the National Assembly approved the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of democratically elected representatives. Section 305 of the Constitution requires a two-thirds majority to approve such a measure. Instead, the National Assembly resorted to a “voice vote” — a legislative travesty that cannot be reconciled with the constitutional demand for a supermajority”
Barrister Hamza decried the gale of endorsement and defections by politicians saying that barely two years into his term president Tinubu is preoccupied with his re election in 2027

“Barely two years into his term, Tinubu appears more preoccupied with his re-election in 2027 than with his mandate in 2023. Sadly, governance has taken a backseat to political maneuvering. Insecurity is worsening, inflation is skyrocketing, and the food crisis deepens daily — yet none of these pressing concerns receive the attention they deserve.
Rather than trying to win over ordinary Nigerians by improving their security, equity, and welfare, Tinubu is more concerned about winning over opposition governors and politicians. This is politics without policy, power without purpose.”

“Adding to the constitutional decay is the undue influence wielded by President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu; he has no constitutional office or electoral mandate, yet he enjoys state privileges, attends state functions, and exerts oppressive influence over national affairs.”
“A shameful example was his reported intimidation and oppression of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). This kind of dynastic intrusion into governance should alarm every Nigerian. We did not vote for a monarchy.” He stated
Barrister Dantani reeled out numbers constitutional breaches and impunity that have characterised the Tinubu ‘ s administration in two which includes
The presidential meddling into Kano’s traditional affairs

“Not content with political institutions, President Tinubu has also waded into traditional institutions, particularly in Kano State, where the Emirship dispute has been reignited by federal interference. The governor of Kano exercised his statutory powers by reinstating His Royal Highness Sanusi Lamido Sanusi as Emir, but the presidency responded by backing a dethroned Emir, Alhaji Ado Bayero.
This incursion into traditional affairs has destabilized the institution, undermined civil order, and fractured the age-long reverence for the Emirate. It is another symptom of the president’s overreach and disregard for constitutional limits.”

Another shameful example he stated “is the legislative recklessness of the current National Assembly and its disdain for the Constitution is the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Senator representing Kogi Central by the leadership of the Senate for six months. Despite a pending court order restraining the Senate from hearing the complaint against Natasha, the Senate, in total disregard of a valid court order served on it, went ahead to illegally suspend Senator Natasha for acts of “misconduct”.”

While expressing optimism, Dantani stated that
“President Tinubu’s current legacy is suppression, manipulation, and constitutional vandalism. But it does not have to end that way. He still has time to salvage his presidency by choosing democratic reform rather than autocratic entrenchment.”
“He can begin by respecting the Constitution, restoring legitimate government in Rivers state, allowing opposition parties to thrive or at least survive, and focusing on the welfare of Nigerians, not just the arithmetic of his political coalition. I’m
Rather than coercing politicians, he should focus on winning over ordinary Nigerians by addressing their pressing needs—security, economic stability, and access to basic services. By keeping his campaign promises, he can restore faith in democracy and ensure that June 12 is more than an empty symbol”

“As we mark another June 12, Nigerians must ask: What are we celebrating? Is it the dream of a democratic Nigeria or the nightmare of one-person rule? On any credible democratic scorecard, President Tinubu would score very low. His administration has failed to uphold the democratic values that June 12 represents. The Nigerian people are poorer, more insecure, more fearful, and more disillusioned.”

“But the window for change is not entirely closed. If the president commits to genuine democratic reforms, respects the rule of law, and shifts focus to the welfare of the people, he can still redeem his administration.”
“For now, however, democracy in Nigeria “is on life support. Nevertheless, president Tinubu has the power to resuscitate it. For the sake of our nation, let us hope he does — before there is no democracy left to celebrate.” He concluded