By HON. Benedict Etanabene, Member of the House of Representatives representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, has openly criticised Nigeria’s current democratic system, describing it as unsuitable for the country and calling for far-reaching reforms to strengthen governance, legislature, and electoral integrity.
Speaking at a press briefing in Warri on Monday, the Labour Party (LP) federal lawmaker lamented what he termed a distorted form of “capitalist democracy” that has failed to deliver genuine democratic dividends to Nigerians.
HON. Benedict Etanabene,
“This Western-style democracy is certainly not suitable for many African countries, particularly Nigeria.
“No wonder many confused African states are now toying with the idea of military rule,” he said.
Etanabene attributed much of the democratic dysfunction to weak institutions and an entrenched culture of executive overreach.
“Once elected, our presidents often seek to annex the powers of other government organs, undermining the doctrine of separation of powers which is essential for national development,” he added.
He accused both the executive and state governors of hijacking legislative arms at the federal and state levels, rendering them ineffective and earning them the label “rubber stamp” assemblies.
On electoral reforms, Hon. Etanabene stressed the need for urgent amendments to the Electoral Act, highlighting the importance of credible electoral processes in building a viable democracy.
“When electoral bodies organise flawed elections, it opens the gates for all manner of characters to assume leadership.
“We must ensure that the appointment of electoral umpires is merit-based and impartial,” he stated.
Etanabene also addressed the rising trend of political cross-carpeting, noting its moral and constitutional implications.
He emphasised that the Electoral Act clearly mandates that any legislator who defects from their party without a justifiable crisis within the party automatically forfeits their seat.
“This wave of decamping has eroded the credibility expected of our political leaders.
“It is both morally and lawfully wrong. Our democracy is in decline,” he said pointedly.
On his party, the Labour Party (LP), the lawmaker dismissed claims of a major crisis, describing internal disagreements as typical in a growing party.
He affirmed that Barr. Julius Abure remains the national chairman recognised by INEC and continues to operate from the party’s headquarters in Abuja.
Etanabene threw his support behind the coalition of opposition parties, praising it as a healthy sign of democratic maturity.
“Opposition is necessary in any thriving democracy. The formation of alliances like the Labour Party and the newly registered ADC strengthens checks on the ruling party. It is a welcome development,” he declared.
He concluded by applauding the Nigerian press for its steadfast role in sustaining democracy, describing it as the “Fourth Estate of the Realm” and essential to democratic accountability.
The briefing ended with a call for home-grown democratic solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges and societal structure.
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