Press Releases

No Viable Alternative To Democracy - Fashola

Oct 27, 2008 - Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday asserted that all three arms of government in the state are locked into a common vision of service to the people, just as he declared that there is no viable alternative to democracy.

Governor Fashola who spoke when he hosted members of the Namibian National Council Standing Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs at the Lagos House, Ikeja, added that with the present uninterrupted democracy which the country is enjoying, there are very strong reminders that Nigerians would never go back to undemocratic circumstances again.

He added that a lot of responsibilities came the way of Nigerians on the journey so far, as the citizens need to reflect and ask themselves what they have done with the opportunities.

The Lagos State helmsman while identifying the separation of powers as a critical element for the sustenance of democracy noted that Namibia and Nigeria share the similarities of a bi-cameral legislature which leaves room for a lot to be learnt.

He reiterated that the independence of the parliament as a critical arm and component for the sustenance of democracy also requires an understanding that the independence is not in isolation but an independence to decide for itself and in partnership with the Executive.

The Governor expressed happiness that in Lagos State, the administration has achieved much with the support and regular participation of members of the State House of Assembly who have bought into a vision to liberate the people from poverty, security of life and property and the definition of a quality of life that is first and foremost Nigerian and uniquely Lagosian.

The Governor commended the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji for hosting the visiting team and facilitating the courtesy visit.

He added: “Democracy is not the end but only a means to a larger goal. That larger goal is how best it truly distributes, apportion and allocate very scarce resources among very many and unending competing demands”.

The Governor expressed the hope that the delegation would take something of immense benefit to Namibians so that Nigerians can one day look back and say yes, it has contributed as a big brother to building a strong and viable democracy in another part of Africa.

He emphasized that experience has shown that there exist a common line of challenge which involves provision of sound healthcare, education, transportation and security in every democratic experience be it in Nigeria, Namibia, United States or in the United Kingdom.

He added that what is paramount is that at the end of the day that they share a common trend about what ways have the office holders in different competing and complimenting roles kept the hopes and aspiration of the people alive.

Earlier, the Chairman of the team, Hon Hateni Ndemula said the team intends to see the best practices that it can learn and implement from Nigeria through the Lagos House of Assembly and the National Assembly.

He expressed his appreciation for the great honour at the opportunity given to the team to have audience with the Governor of Lagos State

Other members of the visiting team from Namibia are Hon Philemra Ndjambula, Hon Leevi Katoma, Hon Rosala Sibiya and Hon Auguste Shali.

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, RT Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji in company of the Deputy Speaker and some members of the House joined the Governor in receiving the Namibian parliamentarians.