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Friday, April 5, 2013

Tambuwal advocates deepening of democracy, govs hail Oshiomhole

Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, on Thursday in Benin, Edo State, urged the political class to work towards deepening the nation’s democracy. Tambuwal, who spoke at the 60th birthday anniversary of Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, challenged them to respect the nation’s constitution in order to ensure the welfare and security of Nigerians.
The Speaker; Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; Babangida Aliu (Niger); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Tanko Almakura (Nasarawa); Kassim Shetima (Borno); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), and Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); were among eminent Nigerians that attended the ceremony.
Other governors were Abdulazeez Abubakar (Zamfara); Ibrahim Dankwabo (Gombe); Abiola Aajumobi (Oyo); Rochas Okorocha (Imo); National Leader, Action Congress of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and the party Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.
In an address entitled ‘Deepening Democracy and Enhancing the Welfare of the People,’ the Speaker said Section 14b of the Constitution prescribes the welfare and security of Nigerians as the purpose of governance.
He said, “We will definitely go back to the issue of strengthening those institutions that deepen democracy. Closely related to this is that we are going to have an unbiased umpire. The independence of the electoral umpire is very important.
“We must ensure we have independent legislature and independent judiciary. The executive has always exercised their right, and definitely, they are at better advantage.
“The doctrine of checks and balances is an integral part of democracy and there is the need to understand this.
“If we are to build institutions, which I support, and promote good governance in fighting corruption, so that what is expected for the people gets to them, then the purpose of democracy will be served.”
Tinubu, who spoke on the occasion, noted that good governance was about accountability.
According to him, it takes extraordinary leadership for democracy to exist, not to talk of deepening it.
He said, “Oshiomhole is a great and shining example to all Nigerians; he has a large heart and is courageous. This is a man that if his administration does not perform, he will lead a protest against the government. He is trusted and reliable. He is a long distance person and a progressive agent.
“You (Oshiomhole) have invested time and energy; you started the campaign of one man, one vote.”
The former Lagos State governor, who called for biometric validation in election accreditation process, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to further work towards unifying the polity.
He said, “To deepen democracy is being popularized, but I make bold to say I was ashamed of Mr. President the day I saw him sit down to announce Peoples Democratic Party governors forum. Instead of unifying all the governors on a bipartisan line, he is busy polarising them.”

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