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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
As the country marks its 63rd independence anniversary on October 1st, the Federal Government has said that Nigerians have fully embraced democracy as the best form of government.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, stated this against the backdrop of political instability and coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region in recent time.
Akume, at a World Press Conference on the 63rd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria in Abuja, also said the celebration is particularly important having witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999, as well as the seamless, successful and peaceful Presidential Transition programme from one government to another.
“Therefore, this calls for celebration and we are thankful to God and Nigerians for making this possible.
“Despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians have fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance,” Akume said.
Akume further said democracy afforded the citizens the opportunity through elective structures and processes to effectively participate in the affairs of their country.
“The relationship between the people and government in representative democracy is symbiotic: while the citizens support the government, the government provides security, protects, and enhances their interests,” Akume added.
Akume also said the government was fully aware of the economic challenges that Nigerians are confronted with since the removal of fuel subsidy, as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.
He stated that the government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives so as to mitigate such challenges and also the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others.
“At the same time, the government is engaging with Labour in order to address areas of concern for the well-being of all Nigerian workers and Nigerians generally.
“It is for this reason that this government led by His Excellency, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is anchoring on the Renewed Hope Agenda which will improve food security; guarantee end to poverty; improve security; economic growth and job creation; access to capital; improve the playing field on which people and particularly companies operate; respect for the rule of law; and fight against corruption.
“As you are aware, the President has given his approval for this 63rd anniversary to be low-key in line with the present economic realities,” Akume also said.
