“Pi pa ni o”: The Dangers of a Selective Justice System

In a society governed by the rule of law, it is imperative that all individuals, regardless of their status or affiliation, are treated equally before the law and subject to its fair and impartial application. However, in recent times, a troubling discrepancy has emerged within Nigeria's judicial system, where high-ranking members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have evaded justice while those from opposition parties face severe consequences.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Police have become notorious for charging individuals with baseless allegations, often devoid of criminality, while neglecting to address the widespread corruption and looting of public funds by APC officials. The duties of these agencies do not encompass debt recovery or civil matters, yet they persistently attempt to impose criminal elements into these cases, violating individuals' fundamental rights and abusing the legal process.

Senator Francis Fadahunsi, an APC representative from Osun East, recently sparked outrage with a video clip in which he instructed his supporters to "kill" any members of the opposition Accord Party ahead of the election. Unbeknownst to many, Senator Fadahunsi's words were not metaphoric, but a direct warning to those who dared to oppose the APC. His subsequent attempts to misinterpret his statements as a parable or a veiled endorsement of murder have only fueled the fire of discontent among Nigerians.

In a climate marred by violence and insecurity, Fadahunsi's provocative remarks cannot be dismissed lightly, especially considering the numerous fatalities that have occurred during pre-election conflicts. While Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposing People's Democratic Party (PDP), was suspended for six months for her behavior inside the Senate, Fadahunsi's public advocacy for violence has gone unpunished, raising concerns about the Senate's impartiality and susceptibility to political biases.

Such selective application of justice not only undermines the integrity of the legal system but also jeopardizes Nigeria's reputation on the global stage. The Nigerian legislators must uphold the Constitution and ensure that all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations, are subject to the same legal standards. Failure to do so not only tarnishes the country's image but also perpetuates an unjust and divisive atmosphere that fosters resentment and distrust among the populace.