Hon. Benedict Etanabene, a member of the House of Representatives representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie federal constituency under the Labour Party (LP), has declared that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat due to the overbearing influence of the executive arm.
Speaking at a press conference in Warri, Delta state, Etanabene accused the executive of undermining the principle of separation of powers by controlling the legislature.
He said: “Every president and governor wants to have the speaker and leadership of their choice.
“So, where is the separation of power, which is the recipe for growth in any nation?
“Even opposition parties are coerced into producing ‘cooperating’ minority leaders. This is anti-democratic.”
Etanabene urged Nigerians dissatisfied with the current administration to align with any opposition party of their choice to demand better governance.
“I encourage meaningful Nigerians who are not satisfied with the current ruling leadership style of Nigeria to join any of the opposition parties of their choice to put pressure on the government for better performance.
“The existence of the Labour Party and the newly formed ADC is good for our democracy,” he stated.
The lawmaker described Nigeria’s current democratic model as a flawed capitalist structure unsuited to African realities, blaming it for weak institutions and lack of accountability.
He also raised concerns about the country’s electoral process, stressing that free and fair elections are fundamental to democratic survival.
“A good electoral process is the very first foundation stone in any successful democracy.
“Therefore, how we appoint electoral umpires matters a lot. The loopholes witnessed in the 2023 elections must be addressed,” he said.
Etanabene condemned the culture of political decamping, saying it erodes public trust in elected officials.
“The recent cross-carpeting of politicians from one party to another has reduced the standard of credibility expected of such highly placed individuals,” he said.
Etanabene commended the Nigerian media for holding leaders accountable and described the press as an essential pillar of democracy.
“Any ruling party that does not want opposition is anti-democratic. The coming together of opposition forces is a welcome development that will only strengthen our system,” he stated.
