Nigerian governors have taken turns to promise hope for citizens in their respective states, as Nigeria celebrates the 25th anniversary of her democracy.
After congratulating Nigerians on their 25th year of unbroken democracy anniversary, the Imo state Governor, Hope Uzodimma said the attainment of the feat, is due to the scarifies of Nigerian heroes and nationalists.
“It is evident that Nigeria is on a journey of irreversible economic growth and greatness among the comity of nations,” he said, adding that although the democratic journey has not been smooth sail in the past 25 years, however, there was no doubt that Nigerians are determined to defend her democracy notwithstanding.
He saluted the resilience of Nigerians who turned out to cast their votes for the sustenance of democracy year in and year out, including those who have died.
The governor added that no matter the inherent weakness in Nigeria’s democracy, which unconscionable people exploit for their selfish interest, the fact remained that democracy as a form of government, remained the best option for humanity as it guarantees freedom of choice, justice, fair play, equity and inclusion.
Governor Uzodimma said for Nigeria, there was no other viable alternative, especially with a committed democrat in the saddle in the person of President Bola Tinubu, who has tackled governance challenges with uncommon dedication.
He therefore urged Nigerians, to persevere in the face of the current global economic challenges, however following the steps the federal government is taking for economic recovery, Nigeria will emerge victorious as the end will undoubtedly justice the means.
For the people of Imo state, the governor pledged to remain transparent and accountable in the governance of the state, and ensure that everyone becomes an active participant in the governance of the state.
Priotize Citizens’ Welfare, Promote Participatory Democracy- Sani
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has urged political actors to shun ant-democratic tendencies, and commit themselves to the promotion of democratic culture and citizenship.
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He also called on political leaders to work assiduously to strengthen institutions saddled with the promotion and protection of democracy in Nigeria.
In his message to commemorate Democracy Day, Governor Sani commended the citizens for embracing democracy and defending it with their blood and sweat, noting that democracy remains the best system of government despite its imperfections.
Governor Sani however asked political actors, especially those saddled with running governments to frontally address poverty, and unemployment and ensure food security, which are what will make meaning to people as a democracy.
He said “On the auspicious occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, I join our fellow compatriots and lovers of democracy to salute the men and women who laid down their lives for the enthronement of democracy in our dear country. I remember the inimitable Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR, legendary Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani and other pro-democracy, human rights and labour activists who fought the military adventurists to a standstill so that we can enjoy the freedom that comes with democracy.
We Are On A Journey To Irreversible Economic Growth’- Uzodimma
On his part, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said it was a thing of joy as Nigerians celebrate, adding that the country was on its way to irreversible economic growth and greatness.
“It is a thing of joy that Nigeria and Nigerians are today celebrating 25 years of unbroken Democracy. That means we have come of age and that Democracy as a system of government has come to stay. While I congratulate all Nigerians for this remarkable feat, I use this opportunity to salute our heroes and nationalists whose sweat and blood watered this beautiful system of government that we are enjoying. Because of their various sacrifices, it is now evident that we are on a journey to irreversible economic growth and greatness among the comity of nations.
“Although our democratic journey has not been a smooth sail in these past 25 years, there is no doubt that Nigerians are determined to defend it, the system’s imperfections notwithstanding. I therefore salute the resilience of our citizens who, year in and year out, had turned out to cast their votes for the sustenance of democracy. For those who died in the process, I am sure that their deaths will never be in vain.
“Because we have gone this far in our democratic journey, we must ensure we don’t look back. No matter the inherent weaknesses in our democracy, which some unconscionable people exploit for their selfish interests, the fact remains that democracy as a form of government remains the best option for humanity. Indeed, it has been tried and tested, and the result remains that it is one system that guarantees all of us freedom of choice, justice, fair play, equity, and inclusion,” he said.
Democracy Is Rooted- Governor Muhammed
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed said it was clear that democracy is not only rooted, but has also come to stay in Nigeria.
“That we are today celebrating the 25th Democracy Day is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in Nigeria.
“There is no better alternative to democracy as a form of government that gives the people the right to choose who to govern them and how they want to be governed.
“It is now one year since I was re-elected to serve the good people of Bauchi State for another four years. My re-election is a testimony of the confidence reposed in our Administration by the good people of Bauchi State,” he said.
Governor Radda Urges Unity To Overcome National Challenges
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, issued a stirring call for unity, tolerance, and unwavering support for the nation’s progress as it confronts formidable challenges.
With reverence for the sacrifices of past heroes and heroines who paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic governance, Radda emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing the nation’s democratic values.
He said, “In honouring Nigeria’s Democracy Day, we pay homage to the indomitable spirit of our forebears who valiantly fought for the freedoms we cherish today,” Governor Radda remarked. “Their legacy inspires us to forge ahead with determination and purpose, united in our quest for a better tomorrow.”
He urged Nigerians to join hands and transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and political divide to build a Nigeria that embodies the true spirit of democracy – a nation where justice, equality, and opportunity are the cornerstones of our collective greatness.
While extending his warmest felicitations to President Bola Tinubu, and the patriotic people of Katsina State as the nation commemorates another milestone in its democratic journey, Governor Radda acknowledged the trials facing citizens and the nation as a whole. He emphasised the need for collective resilience and determination to overcome these hurdles.
Eno Felicitate President Tinubu, Others
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno congratulated President Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Judiciary, Armed Forces and other Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day.
In a goodwill message released by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, Governor Eno said, “Let me on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State, congratulate the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on this year’s Democracy Day, which also marks 25 years of unbroken democratic rule in our dear nation.
“There is no doubt that our democracy has consolidated, and the traditions, norms and culture have also been deeply internalized by Nigerians.
“Let me thank the 10th National Assembly led by our son, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, the President of the Senate, for working collaboratively with the Executive Arm to make laws that advance the ideals of democracy and our shared hope and prosperity.
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