Senate President Ahmed Lawan has hailed Nigerians commitment to democracy.
Lawan in his Democracy Day message described June 12 as a metaphor for free, fair and credible elections and a memorial for the day in which Nigerians stoutly rose above ethnic and religious sentiments to deliver a pan-Nigerian mandate for the revival of hope in their country unity and attainment of its great potential.
The statement read in part: “The heroic demonstration of patriotism by the Nigerian voters on June 12, 1993 will continue to inspire generations of their compatriots to promote national unity and defend democracy in Nigeria.
“Having come this far in our journey as a nation, we have no reason to doubt our ability to govern ourselves and attain our great potential as a nation. Our uninterrupted practice of democracy in the last 21 years attests that democratic civil rule is taking roots and becoming firmly entrenched in Nigeria”.
“While there is a consensus that democracy is the best form of government, it is also important to stress that democracy is a process that evolves with time. We should, therefore, continue to have faith in the capacity of our system to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people. On our part as the Legislature, we will continue to provide the platform for improving that system and democratic practice across board.
“The on-going process of constitutional amendment and the much awaited electoral reforms will take cognizance of our past pitfalls and the democratic ethos required to guide us to where we want to be. I urge us all as Nigerians to embrace a healthy democratic practice devoid of desperation and violence”, the statement further read.
On his part, Speaker, House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila said since 1999, Nigeria has come a long way in democratic practice, noting that the country’s system is growing by the day.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said he believes Nigeria has learnt a lot in the last 21 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Gbajabiamila used the occasion to call on Nigerians to remain united in the face of daunting challenges facing the country.
He also called for fervent prayers for the country to overcome the myriad of security challenges in parts of Nigeria.
He said Nigerian leaders and the citizens must work toward sustaining the country’s democracy as it is the system that protects the interest of all.
Gbajabiamila expressed satisfaction that June 12 has now become Nigeria’s Democracy Day, courtesy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government.
He paid glowing tributes to the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy, saying their efforts must be improved upon.
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