Gauging through remarks and comments on different online platforms, the forthcoming election into the Edo State House of Assembly seems likely to be a battle of godfathers rather than the business of lawmaking, oversight and representation. To some of us with a disposition for an Edo that works for all, this election should centre more on Edo people having fully seated legislators representing the interest of all the Constituencies in Edo State. I don’t want to be drawn into how undemocratic and stiff-necked the Governor has acted because of a poorly constituted House of Assembly in 3 years to checkmate his excesses – it is a Nigerian problem. To his critics, how independent was the House hitherto?
Most Governors even with the full complement of a House of Assembly act like puppeteers, turning legislators into errand boys and rubber stamps. In neighbouring Delta State, the State Assembly has recklessly approved loans running into hundreds of billions of naira without commensurate projects on ground. In Rivers State, the current set of legislators who restored full entitlements to a former Governor shamelessly reverted themselves when the incumbent Governor was drawn in a political supremacy battle with his predecessor.
Outside Lagos State with a very functional Legislative House virtually all State Assemblies are under the whims, dictates and caprices of the State Governors. Lagos State House of Assembly is 10 years ahead of all Legislative Houses in Nigeria and even the National Assembly. I can tell you for a fact that some Bills passed by the National Assembly are copied from Lagos State. They’ve legislated on virtually every aspect of social life. Impressive Legislative interventions have been recorded in the area of infrastructure development, healthcare, transportation, land administration, economy, mental health , Gaming, security among others. With legislation covering all aspects of a day to day living, you see why some of the biggest names in the legal profession find it necessary to maintain a Law chamber in Lagos.. .
Lawmaking is serious business and not an all comers affair. I have some close friends in all the political divides who are running for a seat -ready to canvass for people oriented policies , programs and projects for the benefit of Edo People. We must not throw away the baby with the bath water because of our hatred for their party leaders. Let’s imbibe the culture of at least weighing the strengths of the candidates before we judge by the party they represent . There are good and bad people everywhere. Surprisingly or regrettably, some few persons who should be far away from the policy and decision making table in Nigeria just got elected into the National Assembly because of a movement -I mean without any scrutiny of their capacity to even do the work they were elected to.
We must restore some sanity and honour in Edo State House of Assembly by electing those who carry the burdens of a truly democratic and working State. Politics and public service are difficult and should not be taken lightly . Those considering political office should do so with an enthusiasm to serve and not a desire for political gain or inducement by special or self interest.
Those who vote must remember not to be victims of their own indiscretions. If they continue to see this election as a payback time for godfathers, I’ll leave them with the words of Adams P Franklin
“Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Baye-Osagie is Abuja-based politician
