Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has stressed that democracy remains the best system for promoting accountability, transparency and citizens’ participation, despite its imperfections.
Oshiomhole spoke on Friday in Akure the Ondo state capital as the guest speaker at the 33rd anniversary commemoration of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, themed “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns.”
The senator defended the National Assembly’s role in safeguarding democracy, recalling the rejection of the controversial third-term agenda during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“The Senate leadership allowed proceedings to be televised so that every senator would be publicly accountable for his vote. I was among those who voted against tenure elongation because I could not return to my people and explain that I had supported permanent presidency,” he stated.
Oshiomhole also praised former senator Chimaroke Nnamani for resisting pressure to support the third-term proposal.
“His decision to stand firm and resist the pressure from President Obasanjo to do third term will always be remembered. We celebrate him for that.”
On corruption and accountability, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Accounts said democracy empowers elected representatives to question powerful institutions.
He referenced ongoing investigations into financial transactions involving the NNPC Limited, noting that audited reports raised concerns over transactions valued at about N210 trillion between 2017 and 2022.
“The reports indicated that NNPC claimed over N107 trillion was deposited in various banks that subsequently became insolvent. Our simple request was for the names of the banks involved and details of the amounts held in each institution.”
“This is the essence of democracy. Under military rule, I could not make such statements and return home freely. Democracy allows public officials to ask difficult questions without fear.”
The senator also reflected on the June 12 struggle and the sacrifices of the presumed winner of the 1993 presidential election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
“The lesson of June 12 is persistence and loyalty to those who made sacrifices on your behalf. He taught us that not everything can be bought with money and that some principles are worth more than life itself.”
Oshiomhole maintained that while economic challenges persist, democracy remains non-negotiable.
Also speaking on state policing, Oshiomhole revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is pushing for constitutional amendments to enable states establish their own police forces.
He explained that the proposal would still require approval by the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the 36 state assemblies before becoming law.
On security, Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, declared that the state is prepared for the establishment of state police.
“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time. We have the structure, we have the people and all that is left is to further equip them with more sophisticated equipment that will make them more effective in discharging their duties.”
Aiyedatiwa disclosed that the state recently recruited 500 additional personnel into the Amotekun Corps as part of efforts to strengthen security.
“We remain firmly committed to strengthening our security architecture by ensuring that no gap is left uncovered, so as to guarantee lasting peace and safety for our people.”
The governor expressed concern over recent cases of abduction and attacks on students and vulnerable communities across the country.