By Abiemwense Moru
Abuja – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara, has stressed the need for cooperation and engagements between parliaments in Africa, saying it is the best way to strengthen democracy.
Dogara made the statement when he received senior members of the Ghanaian parliament who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.
The speaker noted that parliament was the first institution of democracy in all countries in the world.
He said it was the responsibility of members of the legislature to ensure that democratic culture and practices were deepened in their respective countries.
“If we compare even the most benevolent military regime, we will come to an irrefutable conclusion that democracy works better.
“So, we have, as the first institution of democracy, the added responsibility of ensuring that democracy takes root in our respective countries; the only way we can do that is through this kind of interface.
“Meeting together like this is necessary, sharing experiences and talking about how we can further deepen democratic culture and practice in our respective countries,” he said.
Dogàra called for the promotion of healthy competition among the two countries to advance their growth and development.
He added that Nigeria and Ghana shared common history and many things in common.
Earlier, in his speech, the leader of the delegation and Deputy Majority leader of Ghanaian Parliament, Hon. Alfred Agbesi, said the delegation was on a study visit to the National Assembly.
He said the visit was to strengthen and further deepen the existing relationship between the two parliaments.
“We are here to deepen, strengthen the relationship and to know what is being done here so that when we go back, we can compare notes with what is being done there,” he said.