We must all work together to sustain democracy says, Edo Dep. Gov.

Edo Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu on Saturday in Benin called on Nigerians to work together for sustenance of democratic ideals to provide room for equity, freedom of speech and sustainable development.

Shaibu stated this while addressing a cross section of protesters, who staged a peaceful protest to Edo Government House in Benin.

According to him, we have distinguished between the military and civil rule.

“We have agreed that the difference is freedom of speech. Democracy is here to stay.

“We have fought for the sustenance of democracy,” he said.

He also clarified the issue of the 14 lawmakers-elect who abdicated their roles in the Edo legislature.

He said, “I also want to address the issue of the 14 Edo State House of Assembly members-elect who failed to make themselves available for swearing-in after Gov. Godwin Obaseki issued a proclamation letter.

“As we speak, I don’t have a representative from Etsako West Constituency II because these characters decided to follow a godfather shortly after they were voted into office.

“Today, godfathers have taken over our democracy. They have taken over democracy that you and I struggled for.

“The democracy that the likes of Ransome Kuti and Gani Fawehinmi fought for. All of them struggled to have democracy.”

Shaibu noted that the development had destroyed the fabric of our society.

“One of our Comrades, Adams Oshiomhole, led us in the struggle in Edo to say no to godfatherism.

“But unfortunately, he removed his khaki and now wears the armor of a godfather. This led to the kind of House of Assembly we now have in Edo State.

“We did everything to beg them; we said you are not representing one godfather you are representing the good people of your constituency.

“But they refused to come back and be sworn-in. Somebody far away in Lagos, instead was giving them instructions.

“He said that the governor should issue a second proclamation letter which is against the law. How can somebody from Lagos be dictating for us in Edo?

“We said no to that, and insisted that Edo people must decide for themselves.”

The deputy governor said that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been unable to conduct a by-election because the matter was still before the court.

He also advocated a unicameral legislature to reduce the cost of governance, adding that the funds saved from the restructured legislative system would be used for the development of states.

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He further advocated state policing, noting that the policing arrangement should be given consideration in the ongoing constitution amendment process so as to check insecurity in Nigeria.

One of the protesters, Abraham Oviawe, said the quest was for all Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy, noting that the present administration had stifled free speech.

He urged the government to ensure adequate security of lives and property, saying that the government was paying lip service to the issue of security.

“After 22 years of democracy, Nigerians are still suffering as the standard of living has gone from bad to worse in the country.

“We enjoy freedom of speech but not freedom after speech.

“Democracy is a reminder to the people of the quality of service before them,” he said