True democracy can only be achieved when there is an enabling environment for every citizen to participate in the governance process of their country.
This was the submission of the Director General, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Professor Eghosa Osaghae at the 5th Senator Abiola Ajimobi Roundtable and 73rd Posthumous Birthday held in Ibadan.
Delivering a Paper on ‘Deeping Nigeria’s Democracy for Sustainable Development’, Professor Osaghae said it was only when citizens had access to gainful employment, good health and other basic amenities that they could be actively involved in governance, which would then birth true democracy.
Professor Osaghae decried the current situation where some citizens sell themselves to desperate politicians who only used them to achieve their ambitions.
The don argued that this trajectory would only result in low levels of development in the country.
Earlier in a remark, the wife of the former Governor of Oyo State, Dr Florence Ajimobi stated that it was time to reflect on the Nation’s democratic and developmental requirements, especially as the 2023 General Elections draw nearer.
Dr Ajimobi said evolving an all-inclusive and effective public participation in democratic processes was key to the enjoyment of the dividends of democracy by all citizens.
The son of the late governor, who is the APC candidate for Ibadan Southwest State Constituency 2, Mr Idris Abiola-Ajimobi said his Father stood for good governance during his lifetime, and that the annual roundtable was a way to sustain his legacy.
Mr Idris Abiola-Ajimobi said though his Father would always be missed, the family would always be proud of his exemplary life.
In a keynote address, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare said the impact the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi had on the country’s political scene would be evergreen.
In a goodwill message, Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, noted that there must be stiffer punishment for corrupt political officeholders, as that was the only way to sanitize the country’s democratic system.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were the representative of the Ooni of Ife, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Oyo APC Governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin and the Accord Governorship candidate, Chief Bayo Adelabu.
Oluwakayode Banjo
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