Stop The Attack On Democracy In Edo, TDM Tells Okpebholo.

...We will Resist Any Attempt To Undermine Our democratic Institutions_

The National Coordinator of the Dickson Movement for Democracy (TDM) and a prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Emmanuel Ogbidi, has called on Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to halt any move to repeal laws granting financial autonomy to the legislative and judicial arms of government in the state.

Ogbidi described the reported proposal as a threat to the principles of separation of powers and the independence of democratic institutions.

Speaking on the development in a release signed and made available to the press earlier today in Benin-City  he said the reported request by the Edo State Government to the State House of Assembly to repeal the laws granting autonomy to the judiciary and legislature was a cause for concern.

According to him, such a move could make the two arms of government financially dependent on the executive, thereby undermining their constitutional responsibilities of oversight and checks and balances.

“We want to condemn this action in its entirety and reject it. As a people who are pro-democracy and believe in the rule of law, we will resist any attempt to undermine the independence of democratic institutions,” Ogbidi said.

He urged members of the Edo State House of Assembly, particularly those elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to put the interests of the people and the survival of democracy above partisan considerations.

“The APC legislators in Edo State are not bigger than Edo democracy, and they are not bigger than Edo people. They were elected to represent the interests of the people and protect our democracy, not to become yes-men and yes-women to the executive,” he said.

Ogbidi questioned the rationale behind legislators supporting legislation that could make the legislature financially dependent on the executive arm which it is constitutionally mandated to oversee.

He maintained that financial autonomy was essential to enabling the legislature and judiciary discharge their responsibilities independently and effectively.

“Financial and judicial autonomy is a direct liberation for these arms of government. It enables them to remain truly independent in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities,” he said.

Ogbidi further warned that any attempt to weaken democratic institutions in Edo State would face lawful resistance, stressing that the state should not be taken backwards in its democratic development.

He consequently request  Governor Okpebholo to investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported move and ensure that no individual or group within his administration acts in a manner capable of undermining democratic governance.

“If the governor has consistently maintained that he is not aware of certain developments within the House of Assembly, this is the time for him to investigate where this is coming from and call those responsible to order,” he said.

The TDM national coordinator also appealed to members of the Edo State House of Assembly to uphold the financial independence of the legislature and judiciary, describing such autonomy as critical to effective democratic governance.

He, however, urged Edo voters to use the 2027 general elections to hold lawmakers accountable for their positions and actions on issues affecting democratic institutions.

Ogbidi said the people should ensure that politicians who act against the interests of democracy do not automatically secure another term in office.

“Our position is clear: Edo people must organise and reorganise ahead of 2027 and use their democratic power to ensure that those who undermine our democratic institutions are voted out in the coming election, he said.