25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria: Edo Lawmaker urges patience 

By Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin

Hon. Asonsere Nicolas

Hon. Asonsere Nicolas is a representative of Ikpoba-Okha Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, and Chairman, House Standing Committee on Education. He bare his thoughts on the 25 years unbroken democracy in Nigeria noting though there are plenty challenges confronting the nation, some progress and achievements have been made. As he urged more patience stating that 25 years democracy comparatively to other thriving democracies of the world is a short period.

Firstly, we have to give thanks to God for keeping Nigeria safe and one. We are glad for having 25 years of smooth democracy without military intervention. 

Many policies and programmes have been put in place; different governments and political parties have taken over at different times.

 Well I as a politician; a major player may not be able to effectively evaluate the journey so far; as a mirror cannot see itself, it is a reflection of other objects. 

But in my opinion Nigeria's democracy comparatively to other democracies of the world is still very young; so I want to appeal to Nigerians to continue to be patient though it may not be soonest but we will definitely get there!

Asonsere however implored that Nigerians should endeavour to elect good leaders as the quality of the elect determines the quality of leadership that would be given. 

He adds; "election is now around the corner in Edo for example, the electorates should watch well as it is not business as usual and the time of using NEPA certificate to contest election is over. 

"Look for those who are intellectually okay who can feel your pulse and feel your pains; those who you can rely on because if good leaders are chosen, you should be able to expect good dividends of democracy."

The Lawmaker who is a grassroots politician having risen through the ranks as a councillor at the Local Government Council; reiterated the need for Nigerians to be patient with the politicians meanwhile.

But he emphasised that they must try to elect good leaders in all elections.

Asonsere noted that in the democratic journey so far, there are areas in which excellence has been done while key areas of failures exist.

"The electricity sector for example is nothing to write about, insecurity remains a big challenge and the economy is on a steady drift downward."

He stressed there is the urgent need for politicians and leaders to put something positively impacting on the table; for the people of Nigeria especially the executive needs to improve on their policies and programmes, to positively affect the life of the ordinary man on the streets.

Asonsere noted the prevailing hyper-inflation in Nigeria is not helping matters as the quality of life of citizens has been adversely eroded. 

"So, as an escape route, the government must stop playing politics with agriculture and encourage everyone to engage in it also; devise policy like the 'Operation Feed the Nation (OFN)' of the Olusegun Obasanjo military era, and if possible every Nigeria should own at least a garden so that we can easily have food on our table."

He reiterated the need for those in government to strive to reshape the dwindling fortunes of the nation; so that citizens can be happy with their leadership.