The Labour Party (LP) in Lagos has urged President Bola Tinubu to make public offices less lucrative to attract dedicated leaders and improve democratic benefits.
Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, LP National Deputy Chairman, made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, responding to Tinubu’s Democracy Day address marking 25 years of continuous democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Elections are marred by violence and unhealthy competition because public offices are too attractive,” Olorunfemi stated. He emphasized that the substantial resources used in running democracy prevent ordinary Nigerians from benefiting, putting constant pressure on the economy.
“The high cost of democracy has eroded its benefits. Hardship is widespread in both rural and urban areas,” he added. “For democracy to work, we must ensure the people’s views are prioritized in both elections and policies.”
Olorunfemi proposed that public office holders receive honorariums instead of salaries to make political positions less enticing for profit-seeking individuals. “Reducing the cost of governance is essential if democracy is to be meaningful to the masses,” he said.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, he argued that democracy has mainly benefited those in power rather than the general populace. He urged Tinubu to prioritize the people’s opinions in all policies and programs.
“Political problems can be solved with selfless leaders. Unicameral legislature and part-time legislative roles should be considered. Ministerial roles should be akin to board chairmanships and assigned to technocrats,” he suggested.
Olorunfemi criticized Tinubu for not acknowledging the contributions of various Labour movements and leaders in his Democracy Day speech, although Tinubu did commend notable figures like Chief MKO Abiola and others who sacrificed for Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
In his address, Tinubu highlighted the importance of democracy, despite its complexities, as the best form of governance in the long run.
