As Nigerians in many States rolled out their drums to celebrate 19 years of unbroken democracy, stakeholders in Kogi have expressed regret that the Kogi State Government failed to at least celebrate themselves.
Most of the citizens who spoke to the NationalUpdate could not phatom the rationale behind the decision.
The immediate past Governor of the State, Idris Wada and his former deputy, Yomi Awoniyi said it is most unfortunate that for all the monies that have accrued to the State within the period Kogi State is not celebrating.
According to Wada; “We enjoin the people to persevere and be prayerful for God to allow his justice to prevail for the future of all Kogi citizens”
Continuing, he said; “Well, 19 years of sustained democracy is a major achievement for Nigeria.”
He congratulated all Nigerians for the feat while praying to God to assist the country in attaining true democracy.
“The essence of democracy is for peace and development but unfortunately we have not been blessed to achieve sustainable development.
“My prayer is that God almighty would usher us into a new phase of sustainable development in democracy, sustained democracy for peace, security justice and fairness for all Nigerians.”
Awoniyi asked the citizens from the State to exercise restrain as God would soon answer their prayers.
Another resident Ohunene Jimoh said though there is poverty in the land, it is not enough reason for the Government to abandon the celebration, saying that there should have been at least a low keyed celebration.
However, Isaiah Enemaku said the Government may be trying to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State on his part however felicitated with all Nigerians and the great People of Kogi State on the occasion of Democracy Day.
The Governor who spoke through Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, his Director-General, Media and Publicity, congratulated the people on the attainment of 19 years of the Fourth Republic which began with the adoption of the Fourth Republican Constitution on May 29, 1999.
In his words, “Though the quality of leadership and the nation’s fortunes during the period should definitely have been better, Nigerians should nevertheless be proud that the country continues to extend her longest period of multi-party Democracy since Independence.
The Governor noted that during this period, baring slight differences in electoral schedules due to Judicial interventions, the country and the 35 States, excluding the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja which does not elect Governors, have successfully transmitted power through the ballot box, from government to government, and from one party to another, a record 4 times.
Governor Bello described the successful transitions as the most critical tool for deepening Democracy.
Credit: National Update
