• Says nation’s democracy tested by adversity
• Expect more democracy dividends, Speaker tells Nigerians
As the country marks 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has said the nation’s democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, restating its belief that democracy is the best form of government for the country.
In the same vein, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, told Nigerians to expect more dividends of democracy. In a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that in the country’s Fourth Republic, significant challenges ranging from insecurity, economic hardship and social injustice continued to afflict the citizens.
Okoh urged the Federal Government to prioritise the common good, address the pressing issues and ensure that democracy served the people’s interests, not just that of a few.
He said, “As we celebrate 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria and the 31st anniversary of the widely acclaimed ‘freest and fairest’ presidential election of June 12, 1993, the national leadership of CAN congratulates the government and people of our great nation. Our democracy has been tested by the fires of adversity, from the struggles of its early years to today’s trials of insecurity, economic hardship and social injustice. Nevertheless, we remain steadfast in our belief that democracy is the best form of government for our nation.
“We also stress the need for unity and inclusivity, recognising the value of our diverse ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds. Let us work together to build a stronger, just Nigeria, where everyone has equal opportunities. As people of faith, we believe that democracy is a gift from God, and we must steward it wisely.”
CAN prayed for divine guidance and wisdom for leaders, while urging Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.
“Let us work together to build a brighter future for ourselves, our children and generations yet unborn,” he added. He said the country has evolved in the past 25 years, and the dividends of democracy are bound to reach more Nigerians.
ABBAS, in a statement, yesterday, described this year’s celebration as significant in the life of the National Assembly, which marks the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly, having been inaugurated on June 13, 2023.
The Speaker, who asserted that “democracy has come to stay” in Nigeria, said the country had been navigating through the learning curves successfully.
According to him, though it is not perfect yet, the country has continued to grow in democratic experience and practice.
He enjoined all citizens to continue contributing their quota to the country’s growth, saying “Nigeria promises to be a nation that the citizens would be proud of.”
Urging Nigerians to continue supporting the government at all levels and remain law-abiding citizens, he stated that the collective responsibility of all – with the people as the critical stakeholders – was to make the government succeed.
