From Fred Itua, Kemi Yesufu, Abuja and Chinelo Obgo
President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, have called for concerted effort by all Nigerians to build a strong economy as a means of sustaining the nation’s democracy.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, to commemorate the 2017 Democracy Day celebration, said the real challenge to the sustenance of the democracy which the country has experienced in the last 18 years was the need for a solid economy that will ensure the citizens enjoy high standard of living and even development across the country.
He, therefore, urged Nigerians to support the policies of government aimed at involving the private sector in key sectors of the economy, focussing on locally manufactured goods, encouraging small and medium scale entrepreneurs, developing alternative sources of foreign exchange other than oil, directing attention to commercial agriculture and mining of mineral resources, eliminating smuggling and other activities which can sabotage the economy.
Ekweremadu on his part stressed the need to uphold constitutionalism and the rule of law to speed up the growth of the nation’s democracy.
He said the real blessing and difference between democracy and undemocratic forms of government is the guarantee of human rights and rule of law.
He said: “As we celebrate the 18th anniversary of the return of democracy, we must remind ourselves that the greatest blessings of democracy are not just good roads, hospitals, electricity, and other socio-economic infrastructure, which are still grossly inadequate, anyway.
“Unless we apply the break and uphold the rule of law and democratic conventions and practices in all ramifications, our greatest losses, moving forward, will not be economic recession and lack of critical infrastructure, among others, but an irredeemably deteriorated civilian rule, where the decisions of the courts, letters and spirit of the law, resolutions of the legislature and electoral choices of Nigerians as expressed through the ballot no longer count.”
Dogara thanks Nigerians for patience with APC government
Speaker of the House of Representatives,Yakubu Dogara thanked Nigerians for their patience and support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
The Speaker scored the President Muhammadu Buhari administration high on achievements as it marks its second year in office. This was as he restated the commitment of government to bringing succour to the common man.
Dogara further saluted Nigerians for their resilience in the face of challenges they encounter daily, even as he stressed that there is no alternative to democracy.
Dogara, in his statement to mark Democracy Day, also commended President Buhari, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, state governors and Nigerians contributing to the sustenance of democracy in the country for 18 years.
Democracy, our best hope – Atiku
Former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar said democracy and representative government which it brings to birth remains the best and only hope of the country.
In a press statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, the Turakin Adamawa said Nigerians should be proud of themselves for doing away with military government in 1999, in favour of democracy.
He advised those who may be contemplating alternatives to perish such thoughts as “the worst form of democratic rule has been adjudged far better than the best form of military dictatorship.”
According to him, since Nigeria instituted the democratic system in 1999, the nation has been able to accomplish a lot in social, economic and human development, adding that in those other areas where the nation is lacking, the system makes it possible for the problems to be brought to the public arena for discussion and settlement, in democratic institutions like the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
Lagos Speaker commends Nigerians’ support
Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa commended Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, for their support for the APC administration at national and state levels.
He said: Thank God, with your support and cooperation, we are getting out of the recession. I want to assure our people that the APC government at both state and national levels is committed to putting in measures and policies that will not only improve the standard of living of members of the public, but also enhance their welfare.”
We must continue to nurture democracy – Adeola
The senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Solomon Adeola, has called on all Nigerians to continue to actively participate in democratic practice. He said that is the only way to grow, nurture and strengthen all the institutions of government.
“Using myself as an example, I have been part of the democratic process for the last 14 years as a duly elected legislator, twice at the state legislature, once at the House of Representatives and now in the highest legislative body the Senate. By all standards, I am not a novice in the business of legislature, which is the heartbeat of any democratic system.
Adeola said in spite of the unique challenges the nation has faced under democratic rule, including the demise of a sitting president, the need for the practice of true federalism and the need to democratise economic dividends of democracy for the majority, we can beat our chest that our democracy is work in progress and we have not done badly.
… Shun money politics, Kalu tells Nigerians
Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has lamented the toxic influence of money on Nigeria’s electoral system, stressing that the country will continue to suffer from bad governance if rigging and other electoral malpractices are not curbed during elections.
He condemned politicians who use cash and government machinery to intimidate their political opponents and said voters should be allowed to vote for their preferred candidates. Kalu said the country needs credible people in leadership positions, adding that politics should not be left in the hands of selfish individuals who are desperate for power and ill-gotten wealth.
The former governor, who was once put under house arrest by the then powers that be while contesting to represent Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate under the Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) in the 2011 general election, decried the uncivilised and wicked acts perpetuated by those at the helm of affairs during elections. He described the deployment of government resources to fight political opponents as wasteful, undemocratic and evil.
The front-line politician made the assertions at the weekend through his political associate and former Chairman of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Hon. Chibuike Jonas, who represented him at a parley with members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Bende Local Government, in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day.
Kalu said: “Although Nigeria’s democracy may not be at its best yet, but the fact remains that the country has recorded tremendous successes in building and strengthening democratic institutions.
“In view of increasing awareness among the electorate, Nigeria’s democracy is on track. Politics is not about using the back door to win elections; rather, it is a transparent way of electing credible leaders.
“The bane of Nigeria’s development is corruption, and it has eaten deep into the system. We must change our attitudes and instill good values in the democratic process.”
The former governor tasked the political class to be selfless in the discharge of their responsibilities, adding that the common lots of the people should be of paramount interest to leaders.
“Politicians should play the game by the rules for the sake of Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is only in an atmosphere of harmony that the dividends of democracy can be felt by the citizenry,” Kalu said.
The former governor also used the opportunity to advise Nigerians, especially politicians not to politicise the health status of President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that regardless of whatever anybody says, the president has continued to demonstrate credible and dynamic leadership.