Abuja, 28 May, 2017: Former Vice President and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar congratulates Nigerians of all political persuasions on the occasion of this years’ Democracy Day stressing that 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 says that Nigerians should be proud of themselves for doing away with military governments in 1999, in favour of Democracy, which the World over, gives voice and a sense of belonging to more people in the society.
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.
The APC chieftain opines that among the virtues of democracy, aside public discussion, is the culture of patience with the leadership which informs that once an election has taken place, and a leader is elected, the populace has to be patient with the Leader until he completes his tenure. The implication of this, says the Turaki, is that a democratic system imbues the people with political wisdom, to improve on their mode of selection of leaders with each election that takes place.
The former Vice President, says that the best guarantee for the peace, progress and development of plural societies like Nigeria, and even homogeneous entities, is democracy because popular political participation and inclusiveness in government helps to develop patriotism in the citizenry and this galvanizes the best endeavours of the people for the development of the society.
While wishing the Government and People the best of this period and the days ahead, the former Vice President and recipient of the “Hero of Nigeria Democracy” award, urges Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery and safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari to continue with the work of entrenching democracy in the country.
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