Ododo hails Tinubu as symbol of democratic struggle, urges Nigerians to protect democracy
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has described President Bola Tinubu as one of Nigeria’s foremost champions of democracy, saying his emergence as President reflects the rewards of commitment to democratic ideals and service to the people.
In his Democracy Day message on Friday, Ododo congratulated Nigerians on the country’s democratic progress and called for renewed commitment to preserving democratic institutions and values.
The governor said democracy remains the most credible platform through which citizens exercise their sovereign will, choose their leaders and hold governments accountable.
According to him, despite the challenges confronting the country, democratic governance has continued to provide a framework for peace, development, participation and the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
Ododo praised Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement, noting that the President stood alongside other patriots during some of the most difficult periods in the nation’s democratic evolution.
“I particularly congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose life and political journey embody the triumph of democratic struggle. As one of the foremost champions of democracy in our nation, President Tinubu stood firmly with other patriots during some of the most difficult periods in our democratic evolution,” he said.
The governor urged Nigerians to reject actions capable of undermining democratic institutions and instead embrace tolerance, dialogue, unity and responsible citizenship.
He also called on citizens to support leaders at all levels and contribute positively to national development, describing nation-building as a collective responsibility.
Ododo paid tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, describing him as a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic consciousness and a central figure in the country’s democratic history.
According to him, Abiola chose to sacrifice personal comfort and political compromise in defence of democracy, a decision that helped lay the foundation for Nigeria’s modern democratic system.
“The late M.K.O. Abiola will continue to remain the pillar of our democratic consciousness. He was wealthy enough to ignore service to his people and powerful enough to reach compromises and bury our democracy, but he chose to fight for us,” the governor stated.
Ododo expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future and urged citizens to remain united in building a nation where democracy continues to deliver hope, justice, opportunity and prosperity for all.
