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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