…Nigerians have fully embraced democracy

From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja

As the nation marks its 63rd independence anniversary on October 1, the Federal Government has said Nigerians have fully accepted democracy as the best form of government.

Senator Akume stated this against the backdrop of political instability and coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region in recent time.

Akume said the celebration was 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 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 said the government was fully aware of the economic challenges Nigerians were confronted with since the removal of fuel subsidy, as well as the impact of the global economic downturn.

He assured that the country and the citizens’ interest remains paramount and a top priority of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

According to him, in spite of the nation’s diversity, the unity and the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians is paramount in the eyes of the leaders.

“We all agreed as Nigerians to live in a united, peaceful and prosperous country as one people, one destiny in spite of our diversities. This is very critical with all these interests as no nation can move forward in diversity.

“Government also has some responsibilities to ensure that the national interest is not undermined and the integrity of the national interest remains paramount.”

The SGF, however, said the anniversary would be a low key celebration considering the economic challenges in the country, adding that it had nothing to do with undermining the basic national interest.

“We are celebrating the fact that we are 63 years old, but also more importantly, conscious of the fact that economic times are hard.”

He assured that the government was working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives, so as to mitigate such challenges, in addition to making efforts for the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others.

The theme for this year’s anniversary is “Nigeria @63, Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity.”

Programmes scheduled to mark the anniversary include World Press Conference on Monday, September 26 at the National Press Centre, Radio House Abuja at 11am, anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture on Thursday, September 28 at the State House Conference Center at 10am, lecture on Friday, September 29 at the National Mosque Conference Center at 10 and Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1pm.

On Sunday, October 1, there will be a presidential broadcast at 7 and inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre at 10a.m. Curtains would be drawn with a military parade on Monday, October 2 at the Presidential Villa at 9a.m.