Democracy Day: States Observe Low-key Celebrations

Most states in Nigeria yesterday celebrated the June 12 Democracy Day on a low key.

In others, no official events were held by the state governments.

The citizens and civil society organisations (CSOs), however, used the day to appraise the state governments and the state of the nation.

They lamented that no tangible measures had been taken to address their worsening plight.

The state government did not celebrate Democracy Day in Kebbi State. This may be due to the absence of Governor Nasir Idris, who is in Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s hajj.

The situation was not different in Niger State.

LEADERSHIP observed that the state government did not plan any programme for the day except an official statement issued by the chief press secretary to the governor Bologi Ibrahim, in which Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago harped on the need to work for the sustenance of democratic virtues.

It was learnt that the decision was because the majority of the government officials, including the governor and the deputy governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, had travelled to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajji.

In Kwara State, the governor and chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urged Nigerians to uphold the sacrifices of the heroes and heroines who struggled for the country’s current democratic dispensation.

The governor, in a statement he personally signed, congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary of the nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.

The statement reads:” Today, Democracy Day, I congratulate Nigerians on our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic journey.

“We honour the memories of the heroes and heroines who bravely struggled for the current democratic dispensation we enjoy as a nation.

“It is paramount to uphold their sacrifices by demonstrating patriotism at all times and contributing to developmental efforts that strengthen our democratic experience.

“We may face a few challenges in this journey. We must, however, remain resolute, unbroken, and recommit to the ideals of democracy to build a more prosperous and enduring nation.”

The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ilorin, Kwara State, Anselm Lawani, tasked Nigerian leaders to deliver the desired dividends of democracy to the people.

The bishop, who spoke at a news conference to mark Democracy Day, noted that Nigerians were groaning under high inflation and a hike in the cost of living.

Lawani noted that a greater percentage of the population lives below the poverty line despite the abundance of human and natural resources.

He noted that “when a nation’s resources are well managed, the people skilfully governed, the citizens are better off in terms of their social well-being, which is a major concern why this Democracy Day press conference is considered imperative.”

On Wednesday, protesters under the Edo State Civil Society Organisations called on the government to end the suffering of the masses and advance policies that will better the lot of Nigerians.

One of the leaders of EDOSCO, Kola Edokpayi, who stated this at a protest/rally organised by the organization in Benin, said they came out to vent their frustration over the nation’s state.

He said, “We reject this brand of democracy being practised in the country. Our democracy is not for the people; it is against the people. We cannot continue to be silent in the midst of poverty, hardship, and unemployment.

“The reason why we are out today (Wednesday) is to vent our frustration over the state of the nation. The masses are suffocating due to the iron grip of hunger, poverty and the economic downturn under President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

Residents and stakeholders in Gombe State appraised the country’s democratic journey and concluded that progress had been made.

However, they said much needs to be done to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions and ensure the inclusion and participation of all citizens.

Malam Idris Abubakar, a resident of the Lawanti community, noted that democracy in Nigeria still faces challenges, including the denial of fundamental rights and the hunting of opposition figures for political reasons.

He called for improved capital projects, human development, and public welfare and for urgent attention to the unemployment and insecurity bedevilling the nation.

Khalid Ahmed Kumo, Northeast Caucus Leader of the Nigerian Youth Parliament, emphasised the need for youth inclusion and participation in the political process.

He urged the government to institutionalise vulnerable groups and invest in youth leadership capacity building.