GBENGA Daniel, former governor of Ogun State, has faulted the kind of democracy practised in Nigeria as a system that cannot bring about the best in the country.

Daniel, who was a special guest of honour at the 2nd Annual Lecture of Freedom Online, held in Ikeja, Lagos, on April 18, said that Nigeria is still operating a system that has been in practice since 1960 without a change which  cannot bring about any meaningful development.

He said no nation can thrive on a static ideology especially in this modern age with its attendant global evolution in all indices of development, adding, “That is why our democratic system has to be reviewed by way of restructuring or else it will give more room for constitutional crisis, inequity, mediocrity, injustice and corruption.”

According to him, “With the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the dropping of the Iron Curtain, doors were closed against Communism and Socialism as political ideologies opening a new vista in the socio-political economy of the respective countries which paid off as their economies rose tremendously.

He noted that even China, has joined the fray and is now about the biggest economy in the world.

“What I am saying in essence is that if we continue to practice democracy without a drastic change, it cannot work. It will only make people poorer and hopeless. This is why the progressive minded politicians like myself and political pundits are clamouring for restructuring which will address the challenges facing us as a nation and proffer meaningful solutions for the betterment of the people.

On his retirement from partisan politics, he stressed that he thought it is better to leave the stage early enough for the younger generation to come up with fresh ideas and  contribute their own quota towards developing the nation instead of the older ones sitting tight and counting years which most African leaders have been accused. He however quipped that he thought he should be praised for this bold step but was surprised when people reacted saying he shouldn’t go into retirement that soon.

Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti State, who was represented by Akin Oyebode (Jnr.) delivered the lecture titled; Fixing The Economy,  Less Politics More Substance which had Orji Uzor Kalu, former Governor of Abia State as the chairman.

Kalu said that he does not believe in restructuring but in fiscal federalism which will allow States to control their resources and pay tax to the government.

Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, who was the guest of honour while Professor Akin Onigbinde, university lecturer delivered the keynote address.

Dignitaries at the event which was hosted by Gabriel Akinadewo, publisher of Freedom Online, included Gani Adams, Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland; Retired Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade, former minister of special duties;  Dotun Oladipo, president, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, and Bolaji Amusan, Nollywood actor among others.

– Apr. 19, 2019 @ 10:49 GMT |