30.May.2014
AS Nigeria celebrates 15 years of uninterrupted democratic government, Speaker of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Konbowei Benson Friday, has called on all stakeholders, particularly the political class, civil society, the clergy and traditional rulers to protect the constitutional values of our democracy.
Rt. Honourable Friday, who reiterated the need for caution on the part of the political class in making unguided utterances on the current security situation in parts of the country, advised politicians to rather engage in activities that would uphold rule of law and democratic values, calling on the opposition to strike a balance between conflicting values of national security and individual rights.
According to the Speaker, the ultimate goal of democracy was to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individual, with a view to fostering social justice, economic and social development.
The Speaker, who lauded President Goodluck Jonathan, Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Honourable Henry Seriake Dickson and his deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah, on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, maintained that the people of Bayelsa State had cause to celebrate democracy day because of the unprecedented infrastructural development the state was witnessing under the restorationadministration, pointing out that at no time in the history of the state, had the people seen this volume development across the length and breadth of the state.
He regretted the present insecurity challenges in the country, which range from terrorism, sectarian violence and weakened rights for women and children, he noted that it is the sacred duty of all well-meaning Nigerians to uphold the values of rule of law, respect for human dignity, tolerance and compassion for one another.
He added that in a democracy, human rights are promoted and protected, such that that no matter once’s race, gender, personal belief or style of life, every citizen can participate in formulating the laws and policies to which they are subjected to.
Rt. Hon. Benson Friday also disclosed that under his leadership, the fourth Bayelsa State House of Assembly has passed a minimum of 41 people-oriented bills, assuring that the House will continue to uphold global best practice in scrutinizing the performance of government ministries and departments through over sighting their activities.
SOURCE.. TRIBUNE
http://tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/6609-bayelsa-speaker-urges-political-leaders-to-imbibe-democratic-values
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