By Lucky Isibor
The Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Mrs.) Maria Omozele Oligbi-Edeko has identified bad governance as the root cause and driving force behind poverty in Nigeria, noting that the problem has become deeply entrenched across the country.
Rt. Hon. Oligbi-Edeko, a lawyer, lecturer, and human rights advocate before joining politics, is representing Esan North-east constituency 11,
She made the assertion as a discussant on the paper presented titled “Abolition of All Forms of Poverty in Nigeria: Whose Task?” At a lecture to commemorate the 70th birthday of a legal icon, renowned human rights activist and one of her mentors, Dr. Osagie Obayuwana (Esq) held at the Benin Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) on Thursday in Benin.
In her address, the Deputy Speaker stated that the cause of all forms or dimensions of poverty is bad Governance and at the base of bad governance is the weak structure & selection method for electing those that govern us. The party structure that elects candidates for election is populated by unenlightened vulnerable persons. She called on professionals, human rights activists, the religious and all men of good will to join political parties and be part of those that elect those that govern us. Where we fail to do that, we will continue to get bandits in power.
She further stated that other factors that causes bad governance are poor parenting of those that govern us, improper education where people receive an education such that their consciences are not moralised, they cannot enforce rule of law, they will lack empathy, proper value, no principle, they cannot differentiate right from wrong, they become selfish, greedy and do not think of the common good.
Furthermore, she said consequently, such bad leaders can not provide basic necessities of life for our people; good health care, food, water, education etc.
Such leaders are corrupt. She remarks that the resources we have in the country as at the moment is still enough to provide good life for our people if only those in positions of authority will make prudent use of our resources. But in agreement with the guest lecturer Femi Aborisade, she said, “they have become the bandits in power.”
She said corruption fuels insecurity and leads to food shortages as farmers cannot go to their farms.
Drug trafficking has become endemic due to bad governance. A population that consume illicit drugs will become unproductive as the productive population will be destroyed.
She expressed concern that the mining sector that was hitherto neglected by government, is now attracting criminal elements and terrorists to the country exacerbating insecurity and a major driver of poverty.
“When you try to do the right thing, the public often resists. It feels like we are all complicit in this systemic conspiracy.
“But for this country to survive, we must be willing to stand for what is right, even if we stand alone,” she said.
Oligbi-Edeko further said. “Many unemployed youths turn to armed robbery, kidnapping, internet fraud, and the sale of hard drugs.
” This reflects a failure of leadership and governance and our inability to protect the productive population;our youths.”
“Nigeria has been a producer of primary products right from the colonial period till date” There cannot be economic growth for such a country and hence poverty.
Eulogizing the guest speaker, Femi Aborisade, for his insightful presentation, Hon. Oligbi-Edeko
emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional approach to eradicating poverty in Nigeria,adding that everyone must be involved in tackling the menace.
She advocated for a strategy that includes economic growth, investment in human capital development, a proper implementation of the educational policy and a robust social safety nets.
“We must prioritize education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, especially for youth and women. We also need to diversify our economy beyond oil and implement transparent, effective social programmes and good governance
With commitment and coordinated action, she said, Nigeria can significantly reduce poverty and improve citizens’ quality of life. Finally, RT. Hon. ( Mrs.) Maria Omozele Edeko and her family wishes Dr. Osagie Obayuwana a very happy birthday.
Earlier in his lecture, Aborisade highlighted four dimensions of poverty in Nigeria: economic insecurity (survival), physical insecurity, marginalization and exclusion from political processes, and the criminalization of the right to peaceful assembly.
He criticized successive governments for enacting policies that favour the wealthy at the expense of the poor, accusing the ruling elite of deliberately positioning Nigeria as the poverty capital of the world.
“The masses are poor because the rich are rich. The rich are rich because the masses are poor. Simply put, the processes that enrich the elite are the same ones that impoverish the people,” he said.
All speakers at the event praised Dr. Osagie Obayuwana for his life long dedication to defending the rights of ordinary Nigerians.
In his response, the celebrant Dr Obayuwana called for collective efforts in the task of eradicating poverty, pointing out that there is a consensus among all the speakers that the task of eradicating poverty is for all Nigerians.
The event drew an audience that included judges from the Edo State judiciary, magistrates, lawyers from across the country, civil society and human rights advocates, and family and friends of Dr. Obayuwana.