DELE OKENLA
Sunday, 05 July 2009
The doctrine of Separation of Powers is one of the better tenets of modern democracy. This, in effect, means that the actions of the executive arm of the government will be subject to checks by the legislative arm leaving the judiciary to serve as the ultimate arbiter.
In light of this supposition, one can reasonably conclude that the hyped-up stand-off between the Executive and the Legislature in Ogun State is nothing but merely democracy in action, so why all these hulla-balloo?. There cannot be an effective check and balancing if the two arms of the government are too pally!
It is the duty of the Executive to come up with huge proposals and it is also the duty of the Legislature to check these proposals for accountability. There is no crime committed on either side, it is just a normal political process.
What is not normal, and somehow disheartening, are the personal attacks and negative press being concocted by overzealous supporters of both sides.
The Executives and the Legislators are all paid employees of the State and it is exactly this sort of legitimate argument, whether you believe it or not, that they are paid to iron out purposefully. I would, in fact, be truly alarmed if this were not the case.
The main culprits therefore in this whole fracas, as far as I can see, are the poison-trigger-happy writers who seem to thrive on sensationalism and who seem to think to some degree that 'patriotism' is really the same thing as 'activism', (Apology to Omo Omo)
For the records, even though I have some admiration for the so-called G-15 and immense respect for the office of the Governor, I share none of their political beliefs and I would rather see all of them without exception replaced by a new order of morally upright individuals.
Yet as patriots, we are morally bound to support the government of the day no matter how undesirable we may think they are. And since the government consists of not only the Executive but also the Legislature, then we ought to support all the parties (Pardon my pun).
For the sake of progress, I will strongly appeal to the supporters of the State Governor to stop personal attacks of any kind on the members of the legislature and equally appeal to the supporters of the G-15 to stop demonising the Governor in any way.
What we need in Ogun State is peace not war.
Seun Oloketuyi
Well spoken
05 July at 15:39
Adegboyega Otunba
well said let us engage in meaningful suggestions to move our state forward
05 July at 16:11
Ayo Sonubi
We all know the problems, but how, and when would we start, its talking, talking, talking everyday, lets start something before this country crashes. @ Seun the ball is in your court
05 July at 16:46
Rufus Kayode Oteniya
Those who want peace must certainly be prepared for war. As shine comes after rain, all we want now is peace in Ogun State after this war. So let peace reign.
Dele, blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called the children of God.
05 July at 16:57
Abbey Odukoya
Sir, like you prudently stated above, Seperation of powers, is the most salient feature of Democracy. Being conscious of this fact, then you must realise that the press being the fourth arm of the Government, must be allowed by all Democrats to perform their duties accordingly.
05 July at 17:07
Olukayode Okenla
I have watched with keen interest the politics of Ogun State and Nigeria in general. It is important that we need peace and develoment in the gateway state. Ogun state is blessed with abundant resources (human, natural and others). It is also important that the 3 arms of government are allowed to perform their functions effectively and in line with the constitution and that politics should be played with probity, good governance, accountability and more importantly in the overall development of the state.
A state without peace cannot achieve development and good government and I therefore enjoin and appeal to many meaningful ogun state indigines and non indigenes who have the interests of the state should step in by contributiing their quotas in whatever capacities and positions in moving the state forward. I am impressed with the contributions so far and we should join our hands together in an atmosphere of
peace, harmony, good and rich debate to assist our state.
05 July at 18:19
Dele Okenla
Dear Abbey, I totally agree with your views. The Press plays quite an important role in democracy but not necessarily as an arm of the government. In fact, an ideal situation is where the Press is completely independent of the government. History has shown us that the Press could be a double-edged sword and when wielded in a negative fashion, could easily become an instrument of oppression or suppression.
I am an advocate of the free press and a fervent protagonist of fundamental human rights including the freedom of expression. However, the right to speak should not be misconstrued as the right to slander, nor the freedom to write be taken as a licence to libel.
Our society becomes a better place when we learn to curtail our own excesses and rein in negative journalism which, like a spurless horse, could only lead to chaos and anarchy when unrestrained. That restrainment needs to be done as a matter of self-discipline by each and every individual. That, is the essence of liberty
05 July at 18:31
Laja Omotayo
I think we are missing the point here... are these guys/girls there on merit or due to allegiance ( via oath taking etc) to others. The debate should be on the qualification of our representatives and executive to put together a plan that will enrich all of us... I AM NOT SURE WE HAVE THAT IN PLACE!!!!!! also... talking about separation of power, who decides on appointments to the judiciary? figure this out
the constitution needs to be changed as the judiciary shd not depend on the executive
05 July at 18:32
Abiodun Falodun
Thank you Dele that is rule of law but about your state we have to keep our finger cross im from Ondo state what is going on there is new maybe changes want to happens to Nigeria politics from Ogun state!
06 July at 02:32
Abiodun Falodun
To swear to an allegiance is our culture not a religion and is part of our tradition but to used it is as blackmalling will have effect now or later.Think before you do it,think about your family after your are gone nobody have to suffured because of your failure to any allegiance.!That is egun idile,you will go but think of the family.Thanks .Abiodun Falodun.
06 July at 05:13
Toks Toxy
Dele, you & i know for sure that when it comes to politics in
Nigeria, this is not true, and infact it's just the opposite.
Politics in Nigeria is that of SAD story.
06 July at 10:46
Dele Okenla
Toks, should we leave it like that, SAD as it is? Or should we at least try our tiny best, whether by speech, prayer or action to effect a positive change? What legacy do we leave to our children or generations yet unborn? I say it does not matter whether the change happens in our generation or not but we still have to set the trend. The relentless but peaceful agitations of Martin Luther King in the sixties paved the way for Obama in the US of today. Perhaps our efforts of today might yet breed a future champion of our people in a generation not too distant. That will be our legacy.
06 July at 11:02
Toks Toxy
Lets start first from I- Ode, and see how it goes....
06 July at 11:19
Daniel Sync Olusanya
We need leaders with the intention(s) of putting the basic needs of our citizens FIRST!
All this politics bickering is just a joke. People’s lives are wasting away; while our so called leaders find pleasure in power struggle.
We need more FERVENT AND ACCOUNTABLE LEADERS like Fashola (Lagos State Governor).
06 July at 21:15
Kenny Olaoba
I KNOW PEACE WILL STILL REIGN IN OGUN BUT PRAY MUCH WLD NOT HV BEEN DESTROYED BEFORE PEACE TIME.
06 July at 22:08
Oluwole Makinde-Odusola
@ Okenla, Dele - I think Santa granted your request, we now have peace in Ogun State!
I admire your passion forthe upliftment of the people through grassroot activism. You have answered the question if not you, whom? If not now, when?
08 Decenmber at 11:45
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