Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, has sounded a dire warning that Nigeria is dangerously slipping into anarchy and no longer upholds democratic principles. During a visit by the Niger Delta University (NDU) Law Faculty delegation to the Government House in Yenagoa, Ewhrudjakpo expressed deep concern over the country’s failure to honor the rule of law.
According to a statement from his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the Deputy Governor sharply criticized the nation’s leadership for disregarding the rule of law, claiming that this failure is pushing Nigeria toward a state of chaos.
“No one should be fooled into thinking that Nigeria is still a democracy. We are merely wearing the mask of civilian rule,” Ewhrudjakpo stated. “A true democracy hinges on the rule of law. Without it, we are slipping into lawlessness, anarchy, and destruction. That’s how we see it from the legal perspective.”
He also highlighted the alarming greed and lack of patriotism among the nation’s elites, accusing them of hoarding resources while doing little to uplift the society that made them wealthy. “Those in power today aren’t giving back to the people, instead, they’re taking more. Very few like Dangote are exceptions,” he added.
Ewhrudjakpo did not stop there. He passionately called for a shift in mentality, emphasizing that those in power should focus on giving back to society, rather than enriching themselves further. He also paid tribute to the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was celebrated for his commitment to healthcare and democracy in Africa, before lamenting the erosion of democratic values in Nigeria.
As part of his ongoing commitment to societal improvement, Ewhrudjakpo explained his personal philosophy: “At this stage of my life, I owe society, society doesn’t owe me. Whatever I can do to serve, I will.”
In a gesture of gratitude, the Deputy Governor thanked the NDU delegation for their recognition of his contributions to the university, especially the Law Faculty. He reassured them that the state government would address the issues of hostel accommodation and expand the e-library for the law students, pledging that these improvements would be completed before the upcoming accreditation visit by the National Universities Commission and the Council for Legal Education.
NDU Vice Chancellor Prof. Allen Agih and acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, Dr. Gogo Otuturu, commended Ewhrudjakpo for his dedication to the university. They praised his commitment to teaching law students, despite his demanding political role, and urged the government to address the infrastructure challenges at the Faculty, including the need for a new building, expanded hostel facilities, and further solarization efforts.
To honor his immense contributions to the growth of the Law Faculty and the university as a whole, the NDU Vice Chancellor presented Ewhrudjakpo with a Certificate of Appreciation.
In an era where Nigeria’s democratic values are increasingly under threat, Ewhrudjakpo’s bold statements serve as a wake-up call for all to recognize the perilous path the country is heading toward.
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