Poverty Threatening Democracy In Africa, Says Dogara

SPEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday said if Africa is to continue enjoying democracy, it must address the scourge of poverty, which is making the gains of democracy to evade the common man.

Dogara had in the past emphasised the resolve of the House to ensure that all outdated Nigerian laws and statutes are updated before two years of the 8th Assembly.

A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Turaki Hassan, said the Speaker made these known when he received a delegation from Save Democracy Group Africa, led by former Speaker of the House, Ghali ‎Na’Abba, yesterday in Abuja.

The Speaker noted that the greatest threat to democracy is poverty and the attendant insecurity.

Na’Abba had informed the Speaker of the group plans to host an annual national political summit premised on the success of the last general elections as a platform for continuous dialogue.

He said materials from the summit would aid the legislature by enriching it for its activities, such as oversight.

The national chairman of the group and former Senate Leader, Ibrahim Mantu, and former legislators from both chambers of the National Assembly, ex-military men and other eminent Nigerians were part of group.