By Cross Udo, Abuja
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, on Thursday, reflected on Nigeria’s democratic dispensation over the last 26 years and noted that the country still lags in attaining the heights it envisioned.
In his welcome address at the Democracy Day Lecture at the Old Banquet Hall, presidential Villa, Abuja, Senator Akume said he was optimistic that the nation’s path is straight and may lead to the desired destination.
The SGF said it beats one’s imagination that Nigeria is celebrating 26 years of unbroken democracy when some African countries are falling back to dictatorship or military rule.
He recalled the antecedents that culminated in Nigeria’s democratic journey, regretting that many who had struggled to install democracy had passed away, but thankfully, one had become the current President.
Akume said, “It is trite for me to start by congratulating all Nigerians on the occasion of the 26 years of unbroken democratic rule.
“At a period when many African Countries are sliding back into Military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria is powering forward in Democratic rule. Although we have not yet reached the democratic heights envisioned, we are confident that our path is clear and will lead us to our desired destination.
“Today’s celebration would not have been possible were it not for the commitment and determination of the ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood firm in the face of military oppression, brutality and rights denial.
“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets from Lagos to Ilorin, Kaduna to Kano, Ibadan to Makurdi, Bauchi to Jos, Port Harcourt to Enugu.
“From the towns and villages, the cry to democracy and just coalesced into a movement, The June 12 movement. That movement marked the beginning of Nigeria’s new democratic journey.
“We are here today because many fought. Many died. Many were brutalised. Many disappeared. Many lost limbs. Many were imprisoned. Many gave up all their resources, and many never recovered from the experience. To all of them, we owe a debt of gratitude.
“We can only immortalise them by ensuring that we guide and guard our democracy. That we work to bring development to Nigeria. Democracy without development is empty and is bound to fail”.
