By Ozioruva Aliu
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress in Edo State, Kenneth Imansuagbon, has commended the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its recent judgment on the party’s internal crisis, describing it as a stabilising development.

Speaking in Benin City during activities marking his 60th birthday, Imansuagbon said the ruling reaffirmed the resilience of democracy and the supremacy of the rule of law.

He noted that the court’s decision to restore the David Mark-led executive and return the matter to the Federal High Court would help reduce uncertainty and rebuild confidence within the party.

“Democracy and the rule of law can never be killed. The will of the people can never be destroyed when they speak,” he said.

Despite praising the ruling, Imansuagbon expressed concern over what he described as declining standards of leadership in the country, arguing that many individuals in positions of authority are not adequately prepared for governance.

“I am not happy about the state of the nation. My early years were better in terms of security, food production, and infrastructure. We must return to those days,” he said.

He blamed Nigeria’s current challenges—ranging from insecurity and poverty to lack of national unity—on poor leadership, accusing some political actors of treating governance as a means of personal enrichment rather than public service.

“What we have are people who are not prepared to serve. They use politics as a business venture instead of a means to uplift humanity,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999, Imansuagbon credited citizens’ resilience, the military’s continued subordination to civil authority, and support from the international community for sustaining democratic rule.

Marking his 60th birthday, he reaffirmed his commitment to advocating justice, equity, and people-centred governance.

“The struggle for a better Nigeria is ongoing, and I remain fully engaged,” he said.