What a Shame

I just lost something now.

Of course it wasn't money but it's an asset. It's my article. I lost it to blogger's automatic saving system. I'd just finished a piece on the "immunity clause" being a debate in Nigeria over the expurgation of section 308 which prevents any civil or criminal proceedings against holders of office which includes the President, Vice president, Governors and Deputy Governors. I don't believe that is the right option. In that article, I deftly considered the provisions of the Constitution.

I had considered sections 143(1) and 188(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which empower the Federal legislature and the State counterpart in the event that there was a proven allegation of gross misconduct against the above named office holders which could therefore invoke an impeachment proceeding against any of them. I had preached the proficiency of that provision of the Constitution which make the office holder responsible and accountable for any act of lawlessness while in office. This had actually become the bane of Nigeria's development presently among many others. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) found it difficult to prosecute some of these lawless governors while in office while they perpetrated fraud and looted the treasury with impunity.

It was quite disheartening however that at the height of these problems, the legislatures both at the federal and state levels turned the deaf ear ostensibly, many of the members had been bought over or compelled by some cheap blackmail from their godfathers and/or sponsors to the House(s).

I actually felt like some school of thoughts posited that there is an urgent need that the Nigerian Electoral law be reviewed. I do concur with them. Legislators and other public office holders should not owe their allegiance to their godfather neither should they, to their political parties. The Constitution had stressed this in section 14 (2) (b) had made it clear. "Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria whom government through this constitution derives powers and authority". The interest of the people of Nigeria must always be paramount in the mind of every public office holder.

But it's a shame anyway. A fine piece it was, but it's no more courtesy of blogger's auto save. I'd only highlighted all the texts hoping that I could just spell-check the article. I clicked Ctrl A thus highlighting all texts, then, F7 and behold, every text vanished! It's just a shame that I couldn't put this on. I hope this was an expression any way. I believe that expurgation of section 308 is not the answer. Electoral process and the operation of the constitution to the letter with leaders who really hold the people's interest at heart is the safe way for Nigeria's nascent democracy.

I better post this now before I lose it again to Blogger's auto save.