Democracy Day: Despite challenges, don’t give up on Nigeria — Govs

CAN, IPAC demand better deals for citizens   Governors of Nigerian states have urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the growth and development of the country despite challenges. They made the call in their speeches yesterday during this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration held in their various states. They said Nigeria had evolved in […]

• CAN, IPAC demand better deals for citizens

 

Governors of Nigerian states have urged Nigerians to recommit themselves to the growth and development of the country despite challenges.

They made the call in their speeches yesterday during this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration held in their various states.

They said Nigeria had evolved in the past 25 years of uninterrupted civil administration and called on Nigerians to remain resolute and steadfast in their collective journey to sustain democratic governance.

AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State said, “We may face a few challenges in this journey. We must, however, remain resolute, unbroken and recommit to the ideals of democracy to build a more prosperous and enduring nation.”

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said the government must continue to honour the memory of its heroes and uphold the principles for which they stood by ensuring that citizens continued to enjoy the freedom of choice and access to justice and the rule of law.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said democracy was well and alive in Nigeria despite some challenges disillusioned by political theatrics, economic challenges and power dynamics.

Governor Aiyedatiwa, who affirmed that the sacrifices of the patriotic heroes and steadfast martyrs of the June 12 struggle had not been in vain, assured that the challenges being faced in the country would soon be surmounted.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, appealed to the people of the state for continued understanding and cooperation over the current economic hardship being experienced occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He said, “We will continue to work hard to bring the hardship to an end.”

Mohammed further said that the state government, in collaboration with relevant federal government agencies, had been taking appropriate measures by providing palliatives in the form of food and non-food items.

Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State called for unity, tolerance and collective effort in addressing the nation’s significant challenges.

He acknowledged the trials facing the nation and emphasised the need for collective resilience.

He said, “We recognise the challenges that have brought our country to its knees, and we share in the aspirations for a brighter future.”

Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta encouraged all citizens to remain optimistic and steadfast, saying, “Our nation will overcome its current challenges through collective efforts, prayers, cooperation and a shared vision among leaders and the led, leading to a brighter future for all.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, said Nigerians should expect more dividends of democracy from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration.

He enjoined Nigerians across tribe and religion and gender to continue to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the country, saying Nigeria promised to be a nation that the citizens would be proud of.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State restated his commitment towards rewriting the socio-economic narrative of the state, stressing that he would forever be committed to building formidable systems and institutions premised on fairness, accountability, democratic ethos, equity and justice.

Peter Obi, Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, called on political leaders and ordinary citizens to protect democracy jealously and uphold its tenets.

Obi urged leaders to obey the governing laws of the state and be accountable to the people.

He made the call in a series of tweets on his X handle on Wednesday to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day.

He noted that democracy was beyond elections; that it including fulfilling the responsibilities of governance as contained in the constitution.

He said, “As our dear nation marks Democracy Day today, commemorating 25 years of striving to be a democratic country, the fundamental question for all of us remains; are we truly democratic?

“As we build Nigeria, these tenets shall be the pillars of our true democracy. It is possible.”

Abiola’s wife wants NASS to outlaw military intervention

Mrs Tinu Abiola, wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, has urged the National Assembly to enact a law that will prohibit military intervention in Nigerian politics.

Mrs Abiola made the call while fielding questions from newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja in commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria.

She, however, commended the military hierarchy for subjecting itself to democratic rule over the years.

Abiola’s wife called on Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu who contributed immensely to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.

She said that the National Assembly had a crucial role to play in preserving Nigeria’s democracy.

Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) National Chairman, in a statement yesterday, urged government at all levels to cut the cost of governance and implement people-oriented policies and projects

He said Nigerians desired and deserved the fruits of democracy to boost their standard of living.

IPAC urged citizens to “uphold the Abiola legacy and imbibe democratic principles, ideals, ethics and values as we strive to build a strong, virile, stable, progressive and egalitarian society.”

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) urged the nation’s leaders to put the people first.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the President of CAN, in a statement, said Nigeria’s democracy had been tested by the fire of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to the present day trials of insecurity, economic hardship and social injustice.

He said, “We urge the government to prioritise the common good, address these pressing issues and ensure that our democracy serves the people, not just the interests of a few.”

He also noted the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in governance and for the leaders to recognise that power is a sacred trust, and that they would be held accountable for their actions.

 

By Balarabe Alkassim, Abbas Jimoh (Abuja), Mumini Abdulkareem (Ilorin), Tijani Labaran (Lokoja), Tosin Tope (Akure), Hassan Ibrahim (Bauchi), Tijjani Ibrahim (Katsina), Kelvin Meluwa (Asaba) & Hope Abah (Makurdi)