By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has implored Nigerian leaders to recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency in the bid to guarantee a democracy that flourishes and endures for generations to come.
Tinubu said after 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, it is time for all Nigerians to partake “in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
The President said this yesterday during the 2024 Democracy Day Lecture at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He noted that at this point of the nation’s democratic journey, every Nigerian, irrespective of background, must be given a chance to contribute to the nation’s shared destiny.
Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said the lesson learnt after 25 years is that democracy is a journey that must be constantly nurtured and watched closely.
According to him, “Our progress has been marked by both triumphs and trials, each serving as a reminder of the preciousness of our democratic principles. As we move forward, let us recommit to the values of inclusivity, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that our democracy not only endures but flourishes for generations to come.
“The future of Nigeria lies in our hands, in our ability to dream, innovate, and act with courage and conviction. Let us embrace this moment with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that the path we tread today will shape the Nigeria of tomorrow.
“This is an invitation for each of us to participate in building a nation where every voice is heard, where every potential is realised, and where every citizen is empowered to contribute to the collective good.”
Tinubu observed that for the nation to have sustained democracy for 25 years, the longest in the country’s checkered history, is evidence of “the enduring sacrifices of several generations of patriots.”
Passing his verdict on the democratic journey so far, the President declared that 25 years was time enough to ascertain the effectiveness of any experiment, just as he said, “Our democratic experience, despite the lows and the highs, is a telling referendum on our aspiration to build a nation that serves the interests of all, a federation that has not conspired against any benign group.
“We are here because the alternative is a descent into dystopia. Today is a moment to reflect on our journey so far. The tragedies Nigeria survived to settle for this democracy, the fourth of such experiments, must inspire each of us to play our part to honour the labour of our founding fathers and mothers and remind ourselves of the principles that drove their resolve to build for us a diverse nation that has defied the pessimism of detached agents of anarchy.”
Noting that it is not just a day of remembrance, the President stated that it is a call to action, even as he said young and competent Nigerians, including the patriotic and innovative, must all be engaged in crafting a succession plan that secures the desired future.
“It is through their energy, creativity, and commitment that we will build a Nigeria that stands resilient against the challenges of tomorrow. Let us therefore pledge to create an environment where every Nigerian, regardless of background, has the opportunity to contribute to our shared destiny,” President further noted.
Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who fought for democracy, with many paying the ultimate price.
He saluted the courage of Nigerians in upholding democratic values despite challenges. “Our democratic journey is one of optimism as reversal is never contemplated. Today provides an opportunity to salute the resilience of our people in believing in democracy,” Akume stated.
In his keynote address, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Bello Masari called on politicians to prioritise citizens’ needs.
“Democracy is about the government of the people, not just politicians. We therefore need to prioritise the needs of the populace ahead of our own needs. We also need to become better democrats. We need to fully imbibe the culture of democracy. We need good winners and good losers,” he added
June 12: Tinubu warns against exploiting current challenges to derail democracy
*Ex-president Jonathan urges political class to stop do-or-die politics, build democracy that’ll reduce friction
Meanwhile, former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday told President Tinubu’s administration to build a democracy that will reduce frictions after elections, describing as embarrassing the avalanche of litigations that follow elections in the country.
The former president also warned that democracy that is built on ethnicity and religion does not endure.
Speaking as Chairman of the Democracy Day Public Lecture with the theme, “25 Years of Enduring Democracy: Prospect for the Future,” at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the former president noted that in the last 25 years, Nigeria had built an economy that was once the biggest in Africa.
Although he said that the country’s democratic consolidation has not been an easy one, he further said for democracy to yield dividends, the political actors must change their flamboyant style.
Jonathan, who emphasised the need to strengthen state institutions to strengthen democracy, condemned what he described as the politics of winners-to-all, saying that it is not healthy in a democratic system.
The former president advised the National Assembly to look at the governance model that can suit the country for the people to benefit from the needed dividends.
He said, “Twenty-five years ago on May 29, 1999, the Fourth Republic was birthed and our nation embarked on a historic journey that will forever keep our country’s future.
“Against all odds, we emerged from the shadows of military rule and ushered in a new era of democratic governance. The achievement is a testament to the resilience, courage, and unwavering determination of the Nigerian people.
“At this point, let me commend His Excellency, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who stood against all temptations and pressure to prolong military rule in Nigeria
“Because at least I have been a President and I know that it is not easy for a military Head of State to step aside under a year for civilians to take over, we have to always commend you.
“Today, we look back with a sense of gratitude to God and appreciation to many of the heroes of our nation, who through selfless service and courage worked towards the democracy that we’re enjoying today.
“In fact, (Babagana) Kingibe mentioned key actors including late Abiola’s wife Kudirat and others. And of course, he was the elected vice president of the country, and he was the vice president of MKO Abiola, so that’s an area he knows more than me, so I will not want to bore your ears by mentioning names again.
“When we mention June 12, we remember Chief MKO Abiola for his contributions to the consolidation of our democracy. We also remember the famous letter signed by eighteen northern elders and delivered by Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Mallam Adamu Ciroma, Ahmed Joda, and Chief Sunday Awoniyi to Gen. Sani Abacha demanding the return of Nigeria to democratic rule.
“You are telling a military dictator we need democracy, that’s another way of saying please get out we want to take over from you. For the military that is treason. So some people entered and confronted a lion these to come up with a democratic setting.
“The full signatories to that letter were Chief Solomon Lar, Alhaji Adamu Ciroma, Alhaji Lawal Kaita, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, Prof Ango Abdulahi, Dr Suleiman Kumo, Mallam Lawan Dambazzau, Alhaji Iro Abubakar Dan-Musa, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Prof Jerry Gana, Col Abubakar Umar (retd), Isaac Shaahu, Dr Usman Bugaje, Alhaji Mohammed Arzika, Dr Steve Achema, Dr Farouk Abdulaziz, Prof Musa Yakubu.
“These are the 18 people who signed a letter, urging Abacha to end military rule for Nigeria to go back to a democratic setting.
“Considering our political history as a country, 25 years of unbroken democracy, in my mind is worthy of celebration, as it shows we are making some progress in democratic governance, despite the challenges we face in our journey of nationhood.
“Notably, the path towards democratic consolidation has been a difficult one. The first, second, and third republics of our democratic experiments were abruptly ended by the military amidst political crisis and social tension.
“But after the G-8 letter of Solomon Lar and others, on May 8, 1998, members of the G-34 in a letter signed by Dr. Alex Ekwueme, the former vice president had also urged General Abacha to reject his adoption as a presidential candidate and quit power.
“Of course, we all remember, for the young people they don’t know but we remember the only person that the cap fits. So Alex Ekwueme and others also confronted that.
“The return of democracy in 1999 after many years of military reign, signaled a new phase in our national journey and our shared vision of unity, peace, and progress. In the last 25 years, we have made modest progress in this regard amidst some challenges as a nation.”
The former President noted that within the past 25 years of democratic government, Nigeria had once emerged as the biggest economy in Africa.
According to him, “We’ve built an economy that was once the biggest on the African continent. We have experienced significant infrastructural growth, made strides in the arts and sports, and recorded many peaceful political transitions at national and sub-national levels.
“Democracy has also brought about improved access to governance. Amplified silent voices and reinforced the idea of sovereignty.
“Whenever I tune into Nigerian television stations, especially in the mornings and I see young men and women discussing and interrogating social issues and holding the government accountable, I always appreciate democracy.
“Today, citizens have come to terms with the idea of representative governance as they have over the years expressed their power to choose the leaders and demand, accountable leadership and good governance.
“Our civic space has largely flourished with a vibrant civil society community, increased media freedom, and very active press.”
He said that it had not been all that rosy in the past 25 years as the country has been confronted with some challenges despite the success recorded.
Jonathan said, “Our journey to democratic consolidation has not been an easy one. It has been a mixed bag of gains and losses, progress and pain. We have continued to deal with the issues of insecurity, inequality, unemployment as well as electoral disputes and violence.
“Despite the challenges associated with Democracy, the general feeling is that citizens prefer democracy to any other form of government not only in Nigeria but almost across the world.
“As a nation, our resolve has been challenged many times. But through shared faith and unity, we have continued to match on and we will continue to match on.
“We must underscore the fact that democracy is a journey, not a destination. Our Democracy though still young has weathered storms, overcome challenges, and proven its endurance. It has become a beacon of hope, not just for our nation but for the entire continent.
“In these 25 years, four power transitions from one president to the other, I am not talking about the election, because like Kingibe said, two presidents handover to themselves.
“We have four situations where Presidents handover to another president even in a case where a sitting President died. These are challenges that could have brought this republic to another end but we survived it.
“Democratic institutions have been expanded, this progress while commendable also reminds us that our work is far from done we still have more to do. It is therefore time can make this journey seamless through good citizenship, patriotic service, as well as sacrificial and exemplary stewardship.
“We must continue to build upon the foundations laid, deepen our democratic roots, and ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by all Nigerians regardless of their economic status, social status, or geographical setting.
“For democracy to yield its desired dividend, we the political class and elites must lead by example and work with unity of purpose to guarantee peace and social justice for the citizens. And our lifestyle must reflect that we are elected people.”
*Winner-takes-all-all syndrome
“A situation where children of political officeholders go to parties and start spraying dollars is not the kind of democracy we want to witness in this country.
“We must work together despite our political differences, accommodate our diversity, and prioritize policies that will impact the lives of our citizens. As we project towards celebrating a golden jubilee of uninterrupted democracy, which I believe we will, we are celebrating 25 years, we will also celebrate the golden jubilee.
“In the alternative, we need to work assiduously towards further strengthening state institutions, so that they can withstand the shocks that threaten democratic governance.
“Democracy as a form of government is anchored on sets of promises in line with the nation’s development and growth aspirations. The fulfilment of these promises reinforces the citizens’ trust and faith in the government.
“As we celebrate 25 years of unbroken democracy, we look to the future with the hope that Democracy has come to stay and that Democrats will continue to take firm roots in our nation and we will have cause to celebrate a centenary of uninterrupted democratic governance.
“Of course, we wish our grandchildren luck to celebrate that. To attain such a feat, the political actors and everyone at the helm of affairs of this country must listen to the voices of the citizens.
“As I round off, let me say that we need to come up with a model of democratic practice that will be more inclusive and reinforce social cohesion. The zero sort of kind of politics, where a winner takes it all has not helped us to foster unity and political justice.
“A political party for example, that scores up to 30 per cent of votes during an election at either national or subnational level, should have something to go. I’m not recommending proportional representation but different governments come up with models of democracy that suit them.
“After all the all presidents of the world don’t emerge through the same process, in Nigeria we elect our president directly. In several countries, presidents are elected indirectly. The power of our presidents is defined by different constitutions and so on.
“So, our National Assembly can also look at models that will fit us. The zero-sum that a party that even sometimes gets 40 per cent of the votes, especially at the state level, will have nothing, give rise to this do-or-die politics. The zero-sum approach, I think, is inimical to consolidating and strengthening our democracy.
“Let me conclude by saying that together, we can forge a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, and where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just a dream but a tangible reality.”
