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Let me do a quick thread on how the Nigerian legal system is used to systematically oppress the people while enabling corruption, nepotism, and patronage. So some of you can understand why we need restructuring/radical reforms. https://twitter.com/ayosogunro/status/962265324371562496
Executive discretions like these exist in many of our laws. They are a heritage from colonial laws that exempted the British administrators from the general legal rules. Back then, private individuals could not legally carry firearms, except white folks. And now, rich folks.
It is not enough that the president can choose to arm anyone he pleases, he can also waive the license fees. Tell me if you think Joe Lagbaja, average citizen from Idumota is the person who gets the benefit of these laws?
When the politicians want to 'help' some international businesses deals, this is the go-to law.
But some people will come here and tell you stories of their 'entrepreneurship'.
But some people will come here and tell you stories of their 'entrepreneurship'.
This one here, I think of it as 'The Dangote Tax Law.' 
Even Ministers have legal powers to favour their friends and families. Nevermind @DrJoeAbah 's Theory of The Powerless Minister. Official discretion is a more important tool of office than official discipline.
And if the Minister wants to take over your brilliant invention or whatever, well....
If you were thinking, well "At least we have public procurements covered", sorry for you.
Governors are not left out of the national patronage allocations. The Land Use Act allows them to treat their friends very nicely.
Again, my personal favourite.
Just look at this beauty: The President's opinion is enought to determine environmental impact.
Just look at this beauty: The President's opinion is enought to determine environmental impact.
Just look at this: @realDonaldTrump would salivate to have such powers.
You know the ironic thing? The Constitution guarantees us equality: this implies that such discretionary powers that cannot be exercised in a manner that guarantees equality should all be repealed.
[Caveat: the problem with that provision is that it does not quite guarantee equality. It says 'by reason only that he is such a person'. But, I guess not guaranteeing equality is the whole point in the first place.]
All of these discretionary powers are UNCONTROLLED. They are not subject to judicial or legislative review nor do they have measurable conditions for their exercise. That is the key point. You can see how this links up with corruption, nepotism, and patronage...
When we say Nigeria needs to be restructured, reformed, decentralised... State police and resource control are just the tip of the iceberg. We need to radically reduce the powers of executive govt and bring the remnant powers under legislative and judicial supervision.
And the examples above are just a few laws. Think of all our laws, then duplicate these mentality across the states and the local governments. And you have a reckless political system that is maintained to serve itself only and can never ever work for the people.
Some attacked this thread because I said executive powers should be subject to judicial and legislative oversight. And they wonder how Saraki and this NASS can do so.
Please, I'm talking of principles and institutions under a new constitution and a new country, not APC vs PDP.
Please, I'm talking of principles and institutions under a new constitution and a new country, not APC vs PDP.
