Amb. Edewor Egedegbe, Executive Director, Value Rebirth and Empowerment Initiative, Convener, Security Education Advocates and Chairman Board of Trustee, Citizens Right Concern Enhancement Initiative (CRCEI), in this interview with NigeriaTodayTimes, he spoke on the Country’s democracy, insecurity etc.
Do you think Democracy in Nigeria is making any significant progress?
Democracy is making progress in Nigeria but not significant, to say the list. We are not where we are supposed to be, but at the same time, we are not where we used to be. For instance, this is the longest time since Nigeria’s Independence that we’ve had twenty six years (26) of unbroken constitutional democracy and still counting.
President Tinubu just celebrated 2 years in office, what is your assessment of Tinubu’s govt?.
It’s safe to say that the two years in office of President Bola Tinubu comes with ill feelings for many as a result of the excruciating pains many of Nigerian citizens are going through since Mr. President inauguration on May 29th, 2023.
What is your assessment of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration in Delta State?
For Delta State Governor leadership of the state has some positives and negatives. For instance, he has made marks in terms of road infrastructure since the assumption of office and his determination not to have borrowed in two years is a plus for him. However, governance and security of Deltans has not gotten a fair share objectively speaking.
The insecurity challenge or situation appears deteriorating across the country, what could be the solution in your opinion?
Honestly speaking, the government has not tackle the insecurity ravaging the state to its roots, what we see most times is reactionary approach instead of proactive engagement of the issue. Until any government or leadership sees security as everyone’s responsibility thereby engaging right stakeholders by ensuring they respond to key performance index(KPI) that would be access and review from time to time, we go no where. There should be proper motivation for security personnel and non-personnel alike, the will encourage effective performance with less supervision at will.
What will be your advice to the FG and State Governments to address inflation, hunger and rising unemployment?
Government at all levels should prioritize the needs of the people above other consideration. Today, you see majority of those in government see themselves as all knowing, with utmost disregard for the people they represent. They go there to enrich themselves stupendously at the expense of the people they represent.
Your general comment on key National issues and advice to Nigerians ahead of 2027 General elections?
My general comment for those in office and the lead in society is that, a change of heart and approach is a wakeup call at this juncture. When we keep doing things the same way, it’s impossible to get a different outcome. Therefore, the government should prioritize the people’s plight at all times by responding to their needs without hesitation, and on the other hand, citizens should wake up to engage those that rule over them by calling them out when and where necessary. 2027 election is by the corner, citizens should take advantage of the election by voting credible person and refuse the temptation of collecting five or ten thousand naira on election day to sell their vote for unscrupulous elements who will in turn look down on them for another four years. This attitude has to change this time around.