The Chief Convener of African Partnership Development UK, Councillor Ernest Ezeajughi said in London that the greatest sustenance of democracy in any country is the Constitution. ‘If the people respect their constitution, every other thing will fall in place’.

Speaking on theme ‘Good Governance’ at an event organized by African partnership Development UK, at the House of Commons, Mr. Ezeajughi said, ‘the election is really heating up in Nigeria. And looking at where we are today, its where Parliamentary Democratic System is at its epic. It is necessary that the voices of the ‘Diasporans’ whose money make a lot of impact on the Nigerian economy are heard towards the election of the 16 February 2019. 

‘You cannot talk about Good Governance without talking about democracy’ Mr. Ezeajughi said. We have elected politicians in Nigeria as we have in the UK, there’s nothing different, everybody goes to the poll to exercise his or her right, no difference. However, winning an election is one thing and knowing why you were voted into office is another.

We are here today because we want the Diasporans to make an input in governance in Nigeria. We have members who are representing us in the State and National Assemblies. If they don’t know what’s not working in their respective constituencies, we should alert them.

The PDP and APC have been ruling Nigeria for a long time. What we should now look at is who, which group can deliver for us.

On Dividend of Democracy, he said it’s about what you are bringing back to that Community, State, Country that voted for you? And, it is the most important and unique thing in every democracy. Good governance requires the development and strengthening of independent state and institutions like the security agencies and functional legislature that are allowed their independence to make viable decisions. And, any decision that is made should be scrutinized, he said.

In most developing countries the Constitution is there but democracy is deliberately undermined and due process is not always followed.

Some of us here have good intentions to serve our communities but unfortunately, we don’t have buckets of money and there is no provision for independent candidates. But in the UK, you don’t need a bucket of money to stand for election.

To sustain our democracy in Nigeria we need strong and sustainable political parties, with the capacity to represent citizens and provide policy choices that demonstrate their ability to govern for the good of the public.

In concluding his speech Councillor Ezeajughi said ‘every society needs a strong and viable opposition to sustain democracy. And the greatest sustenance of democracy is the constitution. If we respect the constitution, there is no way every other thing will not fit-in.

Civic leaders and elected representatives must also embrace the principle of deferred gratification and long-term planning that had the welfare of the people at its core. And, together if we take this kind of approach, we will have the power to build a people’s sustainable democracy

The Special Guest Speaker at the event was Engineer Buba Galadima, Chairman, Reformed All Peoples Congress (R-APC)