Philip Shaibu, the outgoing Deputy Governor of Edo, has said that only democrats must be allowed to flourish and function in a democratic setting.

Mr Shaibu stated this shortly after his investiture as Patron of the Association of Edo Journalists in Abuja (AEJA) on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said this had become imperative because some politicians who were not democrats found their way into politics and turned it into business.

According to him, there was a need to fight those who had no business in a democratic setting.

“We need to fight them to make sure that they don’t have any business in a democratic setting.

‘’Because we fought for democracy, only democratic players must be allowed to flourish and function in a democratic setting.

“What were we looking for when we were fighting for democracy? We said we need to have freedom of expression; we need to have freedom to choose whoever we want to choose,’’ he said.

He said that the honour done to him by the association would spur him to greater commitment and responsibilities.

Mr Shaibu was also given an award of recognition for his support of the association, humanity and sports development in Edo.

He said the award is an appraisal of the performance of anybody in terms of whatever role he played in society, positively or negatively.

The former deputy governor added that if an award does not serve such an aim, then there should be no need for it.

‘’I cherish this award you have given me today because, for me, it is beyond just a plaque. I am going to be playing a role as a patron. So that means you are giving me responsibility.

“An award should be an appraisal of the performance of anybody in terms of whatever role he has played in society, positively or negatively.

“You’re not just giving me this portfolio, a plaque, or a certificate. You are telling me we are giving you responsibility. And for me, I always take challenge and responsibility,“ Mr Shaibu said.

(NAN)