"I, ...do solemnly swear/affirm that ... I will discharge my duties to the best of my ability, faithfully and in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the law... that in all circumstances, I will do right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will..."
Every President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor assumes power by taking this Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office, as contained in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), irrespective of their religious preference. All the officers they subsequently appoint are also bound by these Oaths.
The constitutionally-bounden duties of Nigeria and its government, as well as the rights, privileges and obligations of the citizens are fully enshrined in Chapters I, II, III and IV of the Constitution. These oaths are solemn undertakings to implement the Constitution for the benefit of all citizens and the greatness of Nigeria. Failure of any officer to abide by these Oaths is punishable according to the provisions of the Constitution.
In Chapter IV of the Constitution which covers Fundamental Human Rights, the rights of citizens to dignity of the human person, personal liberty within the law, fair hearing, private and family life, thought, conscience and religion, movement, acquire and own movable and immovable property in any part of the country, and from discrimination, among others, are assured.
Ethnic or other manner of profiling of people is alien to our Constitution. The law and its enforcement agencies were created to guarantee these, and the elected officials are supposed to ensure they are upheld at all times. Without it, there is no nation to build, as the country will be like the jungle where might is right.
In the light of these, we unequivocally condemn the spate of ethnic profiling which started in the North in 2017 and spread to Lagos State in 2020, 2023 and the eve of the #EndBadGovernment protests of 2024.
We commend President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State for coming out forcefully to condemn ethnic bigotry and dismantle the proposed #IgboMustLeaveLagos "protest" scheduled for 20th-30th August 2024, as canvassed on the now defunct Lagospedia platform on "X".
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Tinubu should make good his threat to "come after" all individuals identified with that misadventure. They should be put on trial for treason. Those occupying government offices and maintained with taxpayer's money must be sacked. Their activities seek to undermine our Constitution and scupper peaceful coexistence of Nigerians in their chosen places of peaceful and lawful abode.
Failure to do these will be a betrayal of their Oaths of Office and tacit condonation of this crime. This will encourage it to continue rearing its ugly head.
Action speaks louder than words.
