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.
Priotise 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.
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.
“It is because of this realisation that since the inception of our government in May 2023, we have been running a pro-people and development-centered administration. We have committed ourselves to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We are revitalizing education to ensure accessible, affordable and quality education for children of the underprivileged in Kaduna State. We are boosting agriculture through sustained provision of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors”.
“We are stimulating the economy through support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. We have ramped up our Rural Transformation Drive aimed at revitalising the rural economies, fighting poverty and bridging the rural-urban divide.
“We are indeed bringing development closer to the people. In all we do, we consult with the people, get their input and incorporate them into our policies, programmes and projects. We are servants of the people and must at all times be accountable to them”.
“As we celebrate June 12, our Democracy Day, let us remember that sovereignty belongs to the people. The people must be at the centre of all our political calculations. The people must be at the centre of development. If we push the people to the background, we imperil our 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.
Uzodinma argued that for Nigeria, there was no other viable alternative, especially now that the country has a committed democrat on the saddle in President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as its leader.
“He has tackled governance challenges with uncommon dedication, and the results are there after one year in office, he said.
He added, “Let me use this auspicious opportunity to urge Nigerians to persevere in the face of the current global economic challenges with its consequences for our country. However, I am confident that although we are experiencing economic hardships presently in the country, there is no doubt that we will emerge more robustly because the steps the federal government is taking are the right ones for our economic recovery. I, therefore, urge all patriotic Nigerians to be patient, as the end will undoubtedly justify the means.
“For the good people of Imo State, we have worked together to deliver democracy dividends in the last four years. The fruits are there for all to enjoy. We have fully recovered our state from those who wished to enslave us. We have fully reconstructed and constructed our critical infrastructure while the rehabilitation process moves at a more incredible speed. But most importantly, we are in a state where the voices of the ordinary man and woman are heard and respected,” he said.
On the occasion of the 2024 democracy day, Uzodinma pledged to remain transparent and accountable in the governance of the state.
“In doing so, I will ensure that we all are active participants in the governance of our state. To me, that is the essence of democracy,” he added.