As Nigeria marks Democracy Day holiday today, the founder of EduShine Educational Support Foundation, Dr. Safiya Stephanie Musa has congratulated all Nigerians for their abiding faith in the success of democratic rule in the country.
In her Democracy day message released in Abuja today, the social activist described as “impressive,” commitment shown by Nigerians who have continued to see democracy as the best alternative in governance systems, saying there’s the continuing need for people to remain vigilant in order to make the system work for the generality of the people.
According to her, the democracy and the freedom of choices we are enjoying in the country today didn’t come on the platter of gold, but through the doggedness and resilience of those who stood for civil rule, even in the face of military dictatorships. She further stated that the best tribute that all democrats can pay for the sacrifices of such champions of democracy is to remain committed to the principles of civility, due process, rule of law and good governance.
“Today, Nigerians are happily celebrating 20 years of unbroken democratic rule, which is a positive development. But let us not take it for granted that the freedom came without sacrifices made by some people who were committed to the values of civility.
“We must therefore remain committed to protecting the system through our collective vigilance and commitment to making the system work for all,” she stated.
While restating her personal commitment to ensuring good governance, due process and development, Dr Safiya stressed the need for joint efforts by all stakeholders to promote understanding, peaceful coexistence and stability in the society.
She further disclosed that her active involvement in civil society organisation was to demonstrate her belief in collective work, noting that sitting on the fence in an atmosphere of underdevelopment and poverty is not an option for any patriotic Nigerian.
Dr Safiya particularly congratulated the family of Chief MKO Abiola for withstanding the storms brought upon them as a result of his insistence on the validation of the results of the election he evidently won and his subsequent demise in the struggle.
“His posthumous recognition as Champion of democracy in Nigeria by the federal government is a most welcome development by all lovers of democracy across the world,” she further stated.
Stressing the need for joint efforts among Nigerians to enthrone peaceful coexistence, Dr Safiya called on the people to reflect over the message of democracy day and work hard to remove all those vices that divide instead of uniting the people, saying the development needs of all Nigerians is the same, regardless of whichever religion or ethnic groups one comes from.
“Let us not allow religion or ethnicity to divide us. Rather, we should use them to build our strength and demand for good governance from whoever we have elected to serve us,” Safiya stressed.
She also used the occasion to call on government at all levels to listen to the people more in order to serve their social and economic needs, saying democracy is built on the values of accountability and responsibility to the people.
It would be recalled that June 12 was declared as Democracy Day with public holiday in Nigeria to enable people reflect on the importance of democratic rule and need to remain committed to good governance and rule of law. Towards the declaration of the day, a Bill was passed by the National Assembly which President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law last week.
