Democracy
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu has implored Nigerian leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability and transparency in the bid to guarantee a democracy that would flourish and endure.
He said that after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, “it is time for all Nigerians to partake in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good”.
The President, who spoke on Tuesday during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture in Abuja, said that in the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said that the lessons learnt after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.
“Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles.
“As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures, but flourishes for generations to come.
“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate and act with courage and conviction,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to embrace the moment with a renewed sense of purpose, “knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.
“This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
Former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, who was Chairman of the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture, said Nigeria had made some progress in democratic governance despite the challenges in its journey of nationhood.
“Notably, the path towards democratic consolidation has been a difficult one. The First, Second and Third Republics of our democratic experiment were abruptly ended by the military, amid political crises and social tensions.”
Jonathan said the return of democracy in 1999, after many years of military reign, “signaled a new phase in our national journey and our shared vision of unity, peace and progress.
“In the last 25 years, we have made modest progress in this regard in spite of some challenges.
“As a nation, we built an economy that was once the biggest in the African continent, experienced significant infrastructural growth, made strides in the arts and sports, and recorded many peaceful political transitions at the national and sub-national levels.”
He said in 25 years, the country had witnessed four power transitions from one president to another, including the death of a siting president.
“We have seen the gradual strengthening of our democratic institutions, the expansion of civil liberties, and the active participation of our citizenry in the political process.
“This progress, while commendable, also reminds us that our work is far from done. It is, therefore, time to make this journey seamless, through good citizenship, patriotic service as well as sacrificial and exemplary stewardship,” Jonathan said.
He said that for democracy to yield its desired dividends, the political class and elite must lead by example and work with unity of purpose to guarantee peace and social justice to the citizens.
“As we project towards celebrating the golden jubilee of our uninterrupted democracy, it is imperative to state that we need to work assiduously towards further strengthening state institutions so that they can withstand the shocks that threaten democratic governance.
“To attain such a feat, the political actors and everyone at the helm of affairs in this country must listen to the voices of the citizens. The lifestyle of the political class should reflect the current realities in our land,” said the former President.
Co-chair of the lecture, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, said Nigeria had enjoyed political stability and continuity in governance in the last 25 years.
“During this period of uninterrupted democracy, fundamental freedom has been enhanced and generally protected.
“Personal freedoms and expressed beliefs and opinions, freedom of association, freedom of the press, civil society activists, including trade union activists have all relatively thrived.
“Similarly, advanced culture of the rule of law and strengthening of democratic institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and the police are all work in progress.
“Efforts have continued to be made in the area of accountability through such mechanisms as parliamentary oversight and the efforts of anti-corruption and similar agencies.
He urged the government to build and sustain democracy which, he said, was a lifelong endeavour in any nation.
“Even older democracies as shown by the just concluded parliamentary elections in Europe, just like in the U.S., which has been practicing democracy in the last 250 years, still grapple with the challenges of perfecting their democracies,” he said.
Also, Alhaji Aminu Masari, former Speaker, Federal House of Representatives and former Governor of Katsina State, said Nigeria’s democracy was maturing and standing firm after 25 years.
Masari said this in his keynote address at the Democracy Day lecture.
“We have had two presidents who served for eight years and transferred power to their successors. Our democracy can then be said to be maturing and has stood firm,” said Masari.
He said that many Nigerians feared that the Fourth Republic might suffer the same fate as the First, Second and Third Republics which were truncated by the military.
“In 1989, some Nigerians expressed doubts saying that the military might soon take over. They were risk averse, relying heavily on our past records,” he said.
However, he said the Fourth Republic had witnessed several circles of successful elections and transition of power three times.
“An occasion like this gives us the opportunity to look back and to look forward,” said Masari.
Earlier, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had said that the lecture provided the nation the opportunity to salute the courage and commitment of Nigerians for remaining steadfast.
“Nigerians should also be saluted for believing in the values of democracy in spite of numerous challenges facing the nation.
“Most significantly, this celebration provides the window of opportunity for President Bola Tinubu to reiterate his unwavering commitment to democracy, rule of law and good governance.
“He has demonstrated this commitment by approving the 2024 Democracy Day programme. Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated,” he said.
He added that the choice of the theme for the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture, “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future,” underscored the importance of democracy and the role it played in engendering sustainable socio-economic development for the good of the people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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