Bishop Matthew Kukah of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto emphasized that while credible elections are vital for democracy, Nigeria must enforce stricter anti-defection laws to prevent elected officials from switching parties without losing their seats.
Speaking on Friday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs in Lagos during the launch of three books by journalist and former presidential spokesperson Dr. Reuben Abati, Kukah highlighted Ghana's constitutional provisions as a benchmark.
He referenced Articles 97(g) and (h) of Ghana's Constitution, which bar parliamentarians from defecting or running as independents after election on a party ticket, triggering fresh elections within 42 days without the defector's participation.
"Nigeria is witnessing a flood of defections across the country," Kukah said. "These cannot happen in Ghana not because Ghanaians lack hunger, anger, or betrayal, but because their law mandates a new election in 42 days, excluding the defector.
"Kukah criticized over-reliance on leaders' moral integrity, insisting on robust laws to restrain even the well-intentioned.
"We are not looking for good people; we are looking for good laws," he stated, adding that Ghana refined its system post-turmoil, including allowing non-partisan Speakers appointed by the President.
He urged Nigeria to identify core national values and "founding fathers" for moral guidance, contrasting U.S. reverence for its founders with Nigeria's disunity.
Recalling the Azikiwe-Bello debate on unity "forget our differences" versus "remember them" Kukah said this tension fuels ongoing chaos.
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