Africa’s democratic progress encouraging, by Victor Ochei

I am particularly enthused to welcome this august gathering to the opening ceremony of the 66th Executive Committee meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association here in Asaba, the capital of Delta State. Our resolve to play host to the Association is anchored on our deep belief that in all notions of democracy, be it parliamentary or Presidential system of government, the legislature remain the symbol of democracy.
This position is borne out of the fact that the African continent has had a chequered history in the attainment of democratic ethos given its very ugly past of dictators that earlier bestrode the African continent. Fortunately for us, this ugly trend has eclipsed with a large chunk of African countries submitting themselves to the dictates of democracy which, if, encapsulated will mean good governance, upholding human rights and the rule of law.
These, fortunately for us, are the immediate mandate of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, the reason for which we are all gathered here today.
It is thus necessary that any opportunity given to deepen the ideals of democracy ought to be embraced, and this partly informed our decision to host this august assembly. I most humbly welcome you.
The Association, which is highly voluntary, is involved in peer review mechanism, whereby member parliament engage in exchange of best parliamentary practices and also, it affords members the opportunity of knowing and learning what is happening in other climes and rightly appropriating the essentials. This, indeed, offers a rich avenue to garner that much needed experience, since there is no formal school of parliament to learn the intricate art of legislating.
Since membership of the association is voluntary and its resolution not particularly binding, it is desirable that such resolutions taken should have a means of enforcement. It is my expectation, that this Executive Committee meeting will fashion out ways of taking stock of resolutions already passed and presenting same to Member Parliament for possible domestication and adoption, with a view to making it law, if found desirable.
Your Excellencies, distinguished Speaker of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature and Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Executive Committee, Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to quickly intimate you that the Delta State House of Assembly has been adequately positioned to meet the demands of making well focused, researched and people oriented laws, that will impact positively on the people of the state. This is contingent on our firm belief that as the pillar of democracy, the legislative arm must be a catalyst of change, working in concert with the other arms of government, in providing democratic dividends to the people. It is my hope, that at the end of this Executive Committee Meeting, you will be better informed about Delta state and Nigeria and thus be ready to appropriate some of the knowledge garnered when you return to your respective countries.
Distinguished delegates, Delta State is highly democratic and have one of the most highly democratic chief executives in the country. It is peaceful, serene and highly hospitable to visitors and strangers alike. It will therefore, be worth your time, if you could spare some time from your obviously tight schedule to enjoy the hospitality of our people.
I cannot conclude this welcome address without paying obeisance to two great ladies at the helm of Regional leadership: Hon. Lindiwe Maseko, Chairperson of the CPA Africa Region Committee, as well as the CPA Africa Region President, Rt. Hon. Anne S. Makinda, all the Speakers and Presiding Officers and indeed all members of the Executive body for coming, more so as it is the beginning of the new year. For all those who have been here for the past few days, I hope you have been enjoying your stay here and have had enough time to also enjoy our friendly disposition and our cuisine.
In conclusion, I cannot fail to thank our very hard working and humane governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan for being a true democrat and an avowed believer in the doctrine of separation of powers. In honesty, his support to the House of Assembly has been awesome and highly inspiring. There is no gainsaying the fact that without his imprimatur, this gathering today would have been impossible.
Your Excellency, on behalf of members and my esteemed colleagues in the Delta State House of Assembly, we remain grateful.
Thank you and I wish you a fruitful deliberation.
Being the welcome address of the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Victor Ochei, at the opening of the 66th Executive Committee meeting of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association in Asaba, Delta State on January 14, 2014.