By Simon Ebegbulem, Benin City

FORMER Chief whip of the senate, Senator Rowland Owie, yesterday, said that the recent move by the National Assembly to include its members into National Executive Council (NEC) of their respective political parties would help in deepening democracy in the parties.

He therefore urged the National Assembly to override the veto of President Goodluck Jonathan in the event that he declines his assent, asserting that without the legislature there would be no democratic practices in the country.

Senator Owie who spoke to Sunday Vanguard in Benin City yesterday, noted that the move would not only give the National Assembly members the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in the affairs of their parties, but will also provide a robust opportunity for the parties to be well informed about the programmes of government.

According to him, “the inclusion of National Assembly members in the NEC of political parties is very appropriate. After all, the legislature is the only arm of the three ams of government that really make any government democratic.

In military regimes, the Executives and the judiciary arms are always there.

“ I urge the National Assembly to ensure that all members of the Assembly in totality are members of their party NECs. With this amendment, democracy will be deepened in all the political parties and that will make our democracy more robust. So I want to advise that if the President declines assent, the National Assembly should override his assent” he stated.