By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
  • Home
  • International
    InternationalShow More
    United Nations
    4th International Conference On Financing For Development Delivers Renewed Hope And Action For Sustainable Development
    4 months ago
    The African Development Bank and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) scale up drive for sustainable urbanization in Africa
    AfDB, UN-Habitat Scale Up Drive For Sustainable Urbanisation In Africa
    4 months ago
    UN
    North Africa: Green Climate Fund Approves Record $300m For FAO-designed Projects In Papua New Guinea, Saint Lucia, The Sahel
    4 months ago
    UNICEF
    How Wars Across Middle East, North Africa Affecting Children – UNICEF
    4 months ago
    UNDP
    UN Development Programme Welcomes Historic Deal On Sustainable Development Even Amidst Global Turmoil
    4 months ago
  • Africa
    Africa
    Show More
    Top News
    Africa Leaders Summit: US To Strengthening Partnerships To Meet Shared Priorities
    3 years ago
    President Ruto Rallies Kenyans To Move Nation Forward
    3 years ago
    Tanzania: United Nations Steps Up Efforts To Build Climate Resilience
    2 years ago
    Latest News
     South Africa’s Think 20: Experts Address How Africa Can Bridge Digital Divide And Achieving Financial Inclusion
    4 weeks ago
    U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership In Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat
    1 month ago
    West Africa Regional Preparatory Workshop For COP30 On Climate Change Opens In Dakar
    1 month ago
    Systemic Racism Against Africans And People Of African Descent In Criminal Justice Systems Is Pervasive
    1 month ago
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
    Politics
    Show More
    Top News
    Peter Obi’s Big Win In Lagos Set Social Media On ‘Fire’
    3 years ago
    Tayo Ayinde, A Leading Choice For Nigerian President-Elect’s Chief Of Staff
    3 years ago
    15th BRICS Summit
    Timi Frank Blasts Shettima For Gloating Over Predetermined Tribunal Judgement
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Ex-Pres. Jonathan’s Senior Special Assistant, Dr. Dudafa Dumps PDP For APC
    1 week ago
    Senate President Akpabio Engages Young Progressives in Mentorship Conversation at the Youth House
    2 weeks ago
    Minister of Women Affairs Visits APC Youth House To Mark International Day Of Girl Child
    2 weeks ago
    EU, ADC Parley: Calls for Electoral Reforms To Guarantee Free, Fair, Credible Polls In Nigeria
    3 weeks ago
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
    News
    Show More
    Top News
    Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Begins Construction Of First Flyover In Akure
    2 years ago
    Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
    1 year ago
    Pa Abdulfatah Amoo Ayanwale
    Pa Ayanwale Dies At 76, Fidau Prayers Holds 8 August
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    All Eyes On Nigeria, As Lagos Set To Host Groundbreaking Giving Tuesday Festival On 2 December
    57 minutes ago
    Alleged N532m Debt: Court Orders Bank To Takes Over Abudu Family’s Firm
    2 days ago
    Popoola-Taiwo Legal Practitioners, Shipper’s Council Resolve 3-years Dispute Between Logistics Firms Via ADR
    4 days ago
    Final Journey of Ezinne Juliana Anyanwu To Begin January 2026 In Nguru
    4 days ago
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
    Entertainment
    Show More
    Top News
    Temi Otedola Makes Her Stage Debut In Motherland The Musical
    3 years ago
    Discover Exciting Programmes with Ease on GOtv
    3 years ago
    Nigerian Afrobeat Artiste WONDA Drops Captivating Summer Anthem ‘Ibiza’
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    GOtv Stream vs. Traditional TV: Why Viewers Are Loving the Flexibility
    1 month ago
    Securing Africa’s Digital Future: Entertainment in Safe Hands
    1 month ago
    BBNaija S10: Joanna, Mide, and Isabella Clash as Denari and Tracy Exit the House
    1 month ago
    Akamai Adaptive Media Player 2: Bitmovin And Akamai Set New Streaming Standard
    2 months ago
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
    Lifestyle
    Show More
    Top News
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    1 month ago
    Leadership
    CEO Shares 3 Qualities Every Effective Leader Has
    2 years ago
    Lagos SWAN Holds Cultural Sports And Traditional Fashion Fiesta
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    The Day Mourners Rebelled in Church By Babafemi Ojudu
    2 weeks ago
    Ambassador Raffy Bello Greets Imperial Majesty, Ooni Enitan-Ogunwusi, As Olojo Festival Begins In Ile-Ife
    1 month ago
    Preserving African Culture: Polaris Bank , Chivita, And Danone Support CIKDAS’ Youth Literary Initiative
    2 months ago
    Nigeria, Switzerland Takes Major Steps Towards Repatriation Of Artifacts And Cultural Cooperation
    2 months ago
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
    BusinessShow More
    Financial Action Task Force Removes Nigeria From Grey List
    2 days ago
    Unity Bank Shareholders Approve Merger With Providus Bank
    4 weeks ago
    Yomi Joseph Digital Pr Launches 360° Marketing Solutions To Transform Brands Into Industry Leaders
    1 month ago
    Gov Abiodun Showcases Ogun Investment Opportunities At AfCFTA In Algeria
    2 months ago
    Intra-African Trade Fair
    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027
    2 months ago
  • Health
    Health
    Show More
    Top News
    WHO
    WHO Gives Nigerian Laboratory Full Accreditation To Fight Measles And Rubella
    3 years ago
    European Union Allocates N75m To Prevent Spread Of Diphtheria In Nigeria
    3 years ago
    US Govt Must Heed Lessons Of PEPFAR – AIDS Society Warns
    2 years ago
    Latest News
    Nigerian Academy Of Pharmacy Inducts 14 New Fellows
    1 week ago
    2025 World Pharmacist Day: Lagos Takes Healthcare To Ikorodu Communities
    4 weeks ago
    World Heart Day: Adopt Healthy Food Policies, CAPPA Tasks FG, States
    4 weeks ago
    Lagos Takes Fight Against HIV To Communities
    4 weeks ago
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Reading: Why We Must Protect Nigeria’s Democracy, Obasa, Fashola, Foreign Diplomats Speak
Share
Notification Show More
Aa
Independent News ExpressIndependent News Express
Aa
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
  • Politics
  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Business
  • Health
  • More
Search
  • Home
  • International
  • Africa
  • Corporate News
    • Media Outreach
  • Politics
  • News
    • Agriculture
    • Breaking News
    • Tech
    • Maritime
    • Crime
    • Art & Culture
  • Entertainment
    • Comedy
    • Movies
    • Music
    • Television
    • Concert & Events
  • Lifestyle
    • Fashion
    • Love & Life
    • Food & Drink
    • Travel & Tourism
    • Relationship
    • Sex
  • Business
    • Banking & Finance
    • Oil & Gas
  • Health
  • More
    • Sports
    • Aviation/Transportation
    • Deliverance Hour
    • Industry & Labour
    • Insurance
    • Interview
    • Judiciary
    • Metro
    • Opinion
    • Property
    • Religious
    • Romance
    • Science & Discovery
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
  • Advertise
© 2022 Foxiz News Network. Ruby Design Company. All Rights Reserved.
Independent News Express > Blog > Metro > Why We Must Protect Nigeria’s Democracy, Obasa, Fashola, Foreign Diplomats Speak
MetroNews

Why We Must Protect Nigeria’s Democracy, Obasa, Fashola, Foreign Diplomats Speak

Last updated: 2024/06/14 at 5:24 PM
1 year ago
Share
SHARE

Despite its challenges, democracy in Nigeria must be protected by every citizen, speakers at an event to commemorate the country’s 25 years of unbroken democratic governance organised by the Lagos State House of Assembly have warned.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, former governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, foreign diplomats, and business experts argued on Wednesday evening that democracy has benefitted the Nigeria since 1999 when the country began its fourth republic.

Others who spoke at the event include Prof. Eghosa Osaghae of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Dr. Muda Yusuf, former chairman of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, and Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

Dr. Obasa said Nigeria deserved to celebrate because in the last 25 years, the country has successfully transferred power from one administration to another, uphold the principles of representation, accountability, and the rule of law.

“Our democracy has endured despite challenges and setbacks. We have faced elections, protests, and debates, but our commitment to democracy has remained unwavering.

“We have demonstrated that democracy is not a destination but a journey, and we are proud to be on this path. We must continue to guard it jealously, for it is the foundation upon which the fabric of our nation’s progress is built.

“We must continue to promote democratic values, protect human rights, and ensure that our democracy remains perpetually unbroken,” the Speaker said while recalling the struggle and sacrifice made by well-meaning Nigerians during the struggle for democracy.

Obasa noted the roles so far played by the state legislature in the scheme of Nigeria’s progress to include promotion of good governance, accountability, and the rule of law as well as passage of bills that have transformed the lives of citizens.

“As a transformative and people-centric legislature, the House of Assembly has delivered impactful laws and representation, reforming justice, social welfare, and security systems, and driving tax reforms, infrastructural development, and transportation improvements.

“These have attracted significant attention from local and international admirers, leading to frequent visits from international representatives and private citizens seeking to learn from us, exchange ideas, conduct research, or participate in exchange programmes,” the Speaker said.

He urged Nigerians to continue to support state Houses of Assembly to further deepen democratic values and bring governance closer to the grassroots.

FASHOLA
The former governor of Lagos said 25 years of democracy has provided an opportunity for effective representation of the people as well as freedom to make laws.

Urging Nigerians to hold on to democracy very jealously, he argued that the federal system practised in Nigeria remains important to the country’s growth.

“For those who are understandably impatient with democracy, I hear them. It can be a tedious way to govern. There is no better way to order our affairs. I will not trade the liberties it offers for anything else.

“We are a federal state and let me tell you why. We have multi-level legislative houses from the local councils to the National Assembly. We have multi-level judicial system.

“We also find different levels of government exercising different forms of responsibilities and this you can find in the exclusive and concurrent lists and, of course, what you can’t find in those two lists, is the residual authority that resides in the states. For example, the Senate cannot make laws on landlords and tenants laws and rent control,” he said.

Speaking about some changes that have happened in Nigeria in the last 25 years, he recalled the ‘famous resource control case’ which originated from Lagos and was resolved through the constitution making some states earn better now. He also recalled the matter relating to local government creation during the administration of Asiwaju Tinubu as governor.

“As at 1999, if you wanted to build a house in Lagos, you would go and get permit in Abuja. It was the Lagos State government that went to court to stop it,” he said adding that the cases were fought and won because of the quest for a perfect union.

Urging support for President Tinubu’s administration, expressed optimism that wages and salaries and issues with the creation of state police would become reality.

FOREIGN DIPLOMATS
The Consul General of the French embassy in Lagos, Laurent Favier, while congratulating Nigeria, said “democracy is not a state of perfection but something people have to fight for at all times. It is a political structure that must be deepened.”

He expressed satisfaction with how democracy in Nigeria has ensured freedom just as he urged the country not to relent in making citizens happy.

On the other hand, Weert Börner, Consul General of Germany, said his country with 16 states, practises same federal system as Nigeria adding that this results in healthy competitions.

He affirmed that Nigerians enjoy freedom of opinions, one of the characteristics of democracy.

He commended Nigeria over its Electricity Act which gives states power to generate electricity noting that Germany followed same part 25 years ago resulting in about two million electricity producers in the country.

Consul General of the Embassy of Italy, Ugo Boni assured that the government of his country will continue to be a trustworthy companion of Nigeria while the British Deputy High Commissioner, Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “In these challenging times, it is important that we support each other in our shared commitment to democracy.

“Nigeria’s democratic resilience and significance in West Africa serves as an example to other nations seeking to strengthen and protect their own democracies.”

“The UK looks forward to partnering with Lagos and Nigeria in the next 25 years and more.”

Michael Ervin, political and economic section chief at the US Consulate General, Lagos, said Nigeria is an example of how diverse people can unite and ensure freedom for all.

He congratulated Lagos Assembly and noted that Lagos opens the door to the development of Nigeria.

You Might Also Like

All Eyes On Nigeria, As Lagos Set To Host Groundbreaking Giving Tuesday Festival On 2 December

Alleged N532m Debt: Court Orders Bank To Takes Over Abudu Family’s Firm

Popoola-Taiwo Legal Practitioners, Shipper’s Council Resolve 3-years Dispute Between Logistics Firms Via ADR

Final Journey of Ezinne Juliana Anyanwu To Begin January 2026 In Nguru

Receivership: Appeal Stalls Hearing Of Kepco Energy, Others’ Suit Against Ecobank, Others

TAGGED: Democracy Day, Lagos State House of Assembly
INadminNG June 14, 2024 June 14, 2024
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn Telegram Email Print
Previous Article Celebration Of Life: Reverend Adewumi Jegede Of Later House Of God Assembly Buried Amid Pomp
Next Article Lagos Sports Commission DG Fatodu Charges Coaches On Sports Development, Talents Identification
about us

Independent News Express (iNews Express), a publication of 4Ds Nigeria Limited, is birthed out of the desires of the founding fathers to report News as it is.

We value Professionalism, Excellence, Service, Creativity and Integrity.

The Company

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

Quick Links

  • Advertise with us
  • Newsletters
  • Deal

Categories

Find Us on Socials

© Independent News Express. All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?