Chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, (NNPP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo has lamented that Nigeria was yet to experience true democracy after 25 years of continuous civilian rule.
The grassroots politician has appealed to political leaders to play the game according to the rule, so that every individuals irrespective of tribe, religion or political affiliations can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Ambassador Oguntoyinbo made it known in a statement to mark the country’s Democracy Day on Wednesday said since 25 years of Democracy in Nigeria, leaders were yet to play according to the rule.
Ambassador Oguntoyinbo said the Judiciary and Legislature’s functions have been subsumed by the executive, thus making Nigerians to be living in civilian dictatorship.
He however urged Nigerians to continue praying for the leaders, for them to lead the country aright, saying Nigeria is blessed with huge mineral resources which if well harnessed, will make the country one of the leading powers in the World.
Ambassador Oguntoyinbo who was the NNPP governorship candidate in Ogun state during the last general election said, “It is sad that after 25 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, our leaders are yet to embrace true spirit of democracy. We have been having civilian rule that are not democratic.
“Starting from election which is the basis of democracy, we have not had a free and fair election in this country.
“Rather than people deciding who to govern them as it is obtained in true democracy, Five or Seven judges of the Supreme Court or Appeal Courts have been the ones deciding the winners of our elections.
In a true democracy, there should be independence of three arms of government, but here in Nigeria, both Legislature and Judiciary are under the control of the Executive.
“Nigerians instead of experiencing dividends of democracy from the so called elected leaders, are experiencing hardship, with many of them dying of hunger on daily basis.
“As we are celebrating Democracy Day today, I urge our leaders to have a change of heart and put the interest of Nigerians in their minds.