“A few years ago African democratic climate was taken over by the military dictatorship. The development created a wide gap between the roles of the executive and the legislature. Hence due to frequent military change of government, Africa was denied quality legislation that could lead to growth and development.
“With the latest democratic climate being controlled by the civilians, the continent is now enjoying growth and development of parliamentary legislation which is an integral part of constitution governance. We now have elected government in African states. The democratic tradition is gaining ground.
“Parliamentary and presidential election had been held in many African countries including Nigeria. Leaders of our parliaments have great roles to play in ensuring the sustainability of the current democratic governance through vibrant and robust legislation.
“African legislature had demonstrated enough zeal and commitment to the success of the current democratic arrangement in the continent. This had led to the growth of the economy. African Union had also taken bold steps to support all legal and constitutional means to ensure that the current democratic system was sustained.”
He said that New Partnership for Africa Development, NEPAD was also making its own contributions towards promoting democracy in the continent and advised that “We should not allow issue of violence and terrorism to destroy the lofty achievements.”
President Jonathan further advised the legislators to embrace transparency, greater commitment to human rights and also discourage political gangesterism, act of terrorism. cross border and organized crimes.
“NEPAD and African peer review mechanism are also complimenting efforts at ensuring good governance, transparency and anti corruption war. Information from the western world was portraying Africa in negative lights but we should do whatever we could to correct their impression about us.
“Some African leaders, despite their political independence are still battling with economic development. We should avoid ethnic bigotry, intolerance, and must resolve to make democracy work. Parliament should insist on good governance through purposeful legislation that can lead to economic progress. We should encourage robust cooperation between the executive and the legislature.”
He also stated that “separation of power is not separation of government” and that if the parliaments work to make laws that promote good governance, and design an enduring electoral system, it would always ensure emergence of a elected officials who would be the true representative of the people.
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