As we have stated above, the durability of a Republic rests on the pillars of its institutions. In our own peculiar case, the strength and independence of the judiciary is pivotal. Without it, our democracy not only cannot develop, it will be imperiled.
This is why the invasion of a courtroom in Ado-Ekiti is a very dangerous development. The aim is clear. This is to intimidate the judiciary and brow-beat judicial officers into kow-toeing to certain interests. For this reason, anyone ever remotely connected to the assault on the temple of justice must be brought to book immediately. Any member of the political class found to have been complicit must be deemed to have forfeited the right to continued participation in the political process.
The police sadly, have been derelict in their duties. This is why the acting Inspector-General of Police must set up a board of enquiry to fish out those who failed to carry out their duties. The Military have done the needful recently in getting the alleged mutineers to face the consequences. The Police hierarchy has to follow suit.
For a democracy, the moment it is violated, it’s game over. The invasion of the court strikes at the heart of our democracy. All those involved have to be brought to book. The alternative where judges can no longer sit in peace to do their work is too horrible for any democrat to contemplate.