By : Ike Philip Abiagom
Most Distinguished Senator Peter Onyelukachukwu Nwaoboshi(SPON), has given Nigerians, especially people in his constituency, a message of hope, asking them to consolidate the gains of democracy.
Nwaoboshi also charged citizenry to reflect on the journey into achieving the democracy that the country is enjoying today and see the need to celebrate those that paid the supreme price for the collective benefits, even though there are still challenges.
June 12 has become a metaphor in our country for free, fair and credible elections and a memorial for the day in which Nigerians stoutly rose above ethnic and religious sentiments to deliver a pan-Nigerian mandate for the revival of hope in their country unity and attainment of its great potential.
The heroic demonstration of patriotism by the Nigerian voters on June 12, 1993 will continue to inspire generations of their compatriots to promote national unity and defend democracy in Nigeria.
Having come this far in our journey as a nation, we have no reason to doubt our ability to govern ourselves and attain our great potential as a nation. Our uninterrupted practice of democracy in the last 25 years attests that democratic civil rule is taking roots and becoming firmly entrenched in Nigeria.
While there is a consensus that democracy is the best form of government, it is also important to stress that democracy is a process that evolves with time. We should, therefore, continue to have faith in the capacity of our system to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.
“Despite imperfections and challenges, I urge us not to throw our hands up in despair but rather continue to seek ways of consolidating gains of democracy in Nigeria.
“Every great nation today at one time or the other have had their moments of turmoil. They overcame because leaders and other fellow country men and women believed in their country.
As we celebrate our Democracy on this unique day, I wish Nigeria eternal peace, unity and prosperity. May God bless Nigeria.