Nigerian governors have taken turns to promise hope for citizens in their respective states, as Nigeria celebrates the 25th anniversary of her democracy.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, congratulated Nigerians on this milestone of 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, attributing this achievement to the sacrifices made by Nigerian heroes and nationalists.
“It is evident that Nigeria is on a journey of irreversible economic growth and greatness among the comity of nations,” he said, adding that although the democratic journey has not been smooth sail in the past 25 years, however, there was no doubt that Nigerians are determined to defend her democracy notwithstanding.
He commended the resilience of Nigerians who consistently turn out to vote to sustain democracy, honoring even those who have passed away.
The governor acknowledged that despite the inherent weaknesses in Nigeria’s democracy, which some exploit for selfish gains, democracy remains the best form of government as it guarantees freedom of choice, justice, fair play, equity, and inclusion.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized that for Nigeria, there is no viable alternative, especially with a committed democrat like President Bola Tinubu in charge, who has addressed governance challenges with exceptional dedication.
He urged Nigerians to persevere in the face of current global economic challenges, expressing confidence that the federal government’s steps toward economic recovery will lead to a victorious outcome, justifying the means.
For the people of Imo State, the governor pledged to remain transparent and accountable, ensuring that everyone becomes an active participant in the state’s governance.
Priotise Citizens’ Welfare, Promote Participatory Democracy- Sani
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has urged political figures to reject anti-democratic behaviors and dedicate themselves to fostering a culture of democracy and citizenship.
He also urged political leaders to diligently work towards fortifying institutions tasked with upholding and safeguarding democracy in Nigeria.
In his statement marking Democracy Day, Governor Sani praised citizens for embracing democracy and defending it through their sacrifices, acknowledging that despite its flaws, democracy remains the most favorable system of governance.
Governor Sani, however, implored political figures, particularly those entrusted with governing, to squarely address issues of poverty, unemployment, and ensure food security, as these are the factors that give substance to democracy in the eyes of the people.
He said “On the auspicious occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, I join our fellow compatriots and lovers of democracy to salute the men and women who laid down their lives for the enthronement of democracy in our dear country. I remember the inimitable Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR, legendary Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani and other pro-democracy, human rights and labour activists who fought the military adventurists to a standstill so that we can enjoy the freedom that comes with democracy.
“It is because of this realisation that since the inception of our government in May 2023, we have been running a pro-people and development-centered administration. We have committed ourselves to bringing succour to the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State. We are revitalizing education to ensure accessible, affordable and quality education for children of the underprivileged in Kaduna State. We are boosting agriculture through sustained provision of agricultural inputs and equipment to smallholder farmers and small-scale agro-processors”.
“We are stimulating the economy through support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. We have ramped up our Rural Transformation Drive aimed at revitalising the rural economies, fighting poverty and bridging the rural-urban divide.
“We are indeed bringing development closer to the people. In all we do, we consult with the people, get their input and incorporate them into our policies, programmes and projects. We are servants of the people and must at all times be accountable to them”.
“As we celebrate June 12, our Democracy Day, let us remember that sovereignty belongs to the people. The people must be at the centre of all our political calculations. The people must be at the centre of development. If we push the people to the background, we imperil our democracy”
‘We Are On A Journey To Irreversible Economic Growth’- Uzodimma
On his part, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, said it was a thing of joy as Nigerians celebrate, adding that the country was on its way to irreversible economic growth and greatness.
“It is a thing of joy that Nigeria and Nigerians are today celebrating 25 years of unbroken Democracy. That means we have come of age and that Democracy as a system of government has come to stay. While I congratulate all Nigerians for this remarkable feat, I use this opportunity to salute our heroes and nationalists whose sweat and blood watered this beautiful system of government that we are enjoying. Because of their various sacrifices, it is now evident that we are on a journey to irreversible economic growth and greatness among the comity of nations.
“Although our democratic journey has not been a smooth sail in these past 25 years, there is no doubt that Nigerians are determined to defend it, the system’s imperfections notwithstanding. I therefore salute the resilience of our citizens who, year in and year out, had turned out to cast their votes for the sustenance of democracy. For those who died in the process, I am sure that their deaths will never be in vain.
“Because we have gone this far in our democratic journey, we must ensure we don’t look back. No matter the inherent weaknesses in our democracy, which some unconscionable people exploit for their selfish interests, the fact remains that democracy as a form of government remains the best option for humanity. Indeed, it has been tried and tested, and the result remains that it is one system that guarantees all of us freedom of choice, justice, fair play, equity, and inclusion,” he said.
Uzodinma argued that for Nigeria, there was no other viable alternative, especially now that the country has a committed democrat on the saddle in President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as its leader.
“He has tackled governance challenges with uncommon dedication, and the results are there after one year in office, he said.
He added, “Let me use this auspicious opportunity to urge Nigerians to persevere in the face of the current global economic challenges with its consequences for our country. However, I am confident that although we are experiencing economic hardships presently in the country, there is no doubt that we will emerge more robustly because the steps the federal government is taking are the right ones for our economic recovery. I, therefore, urge all patriotic Nigerians to be patient, as the end will undoubtedly justify the means.
“For the good people of Imo State, we have worked together to deliver democracy dividends in the last four years. The fruits are there for all to enjoy. We have fully recovered our state from those who wished to enslave us. We have fully reconstructed and constructed our critical infrastructure while the rehabilitation process moves at a more incredible speed. But most importantly, we are in a state where the voices of the ordinary man and woman are heard and respected,” he said.
On the occasion of the 2024 democracy day, Uzodinma pledged to remain transparent and accountable in the governance of the state.
“In doing so, I will ensure that we all are active participants in the governance of our state. To me, that is the essence of democracy,” he added.
Democracy Is Rooted- Governor Muhammed
Speaking on Wednesday in Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed said it was clear that democracy is not only rooted, but has also come to stay in Nigeria.
“That we are today celebrating the 25th Democracy Day is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in Nigeria.
“There is no better alternative to democracy as a form of government that gives the people the right to choose who to govern them and how they want to be governed.
“It is now one year since I was re-elected to serve the good people of Bauchi State for another four years. My re-election is a testimony of the confidence reposed in our Administration by the good people of Bauchi State,” he said.
On the performance of his administration, Mohammed said he performed creditably in various spheres of human endeavour, ranging from the construction of roads in both urban and rural areas, construction and rehabilitation of schools and health facilities, water supply, supply of agricultural inputs and machinery, human capital development through economic empowerment, among many other initiatives.
“I want to assure you that we will not only sustain the tempo during our second tenure but will strive to improve upon our performance,” he said, adding that the various projects executed during his first term were in line with his “My Bauchi Project,” a blueprint developed before his election in 2019.
“To improve on our performance during our first term, a technical committee was constituted to review the blueprint to assessing the level of delivery of dividends of democracy and recommend how to address any grey areas and the way forward.
“With the review of the blueprint, our second tenure is witnessing aggressive execution of life-touching projects across the State. While completing all ongoing projects, new ones have been embarked upon. Infrastructural development in the areas of road construction, construction and rehabilitation of educational and health facilities, water supply, agricultural inputs and machinery would continue to receive the desired attention. Priority would also be given to human capital development through economic empowerment, especially for our teeming youth. Security is also on our priority list. We would, therefore, continue to collaborate with and support security agencies to rid the State of crime and criminal elements.
“Like most other States, Bauchi State Government depends almost entirely on funds from the Federation Account as its source of revenue. Due to uncertainty in the global oil market, there is a need for us to look inward to diversify our economy. This will entail boosting agriculture through the provision of adequate inputs, encouragement of farm mechanisation and deployment of extension workers to guide our farmers for improved crop production and animal husbandry. The solid minerals and tourism sectors would also be given the priority they deserve. Government would also continue to provide an enabling environment to facilitate the ease of doing business for the establishment of new commercial enterprises and improve the existing ones. Small and medium enterprises would also be supported to thrive
“Let me, at this juncture, reiterate the commitment of my administration to accountability and transparency in governance. The resources at our disposal would continue to be judiciously used for the common good of the people of the State. We would continue to ensure value for money for the projects that would be executed. To this end, the resources we have would be deployed for maximal effect on the socio-economic development of the State. We cannot afford to embark on projects that have little or no effect on the well-being of the generality of the people of the State,” he said.
The governor explained that the current economic hardship being experienced occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, is a national problem that has been receiving the attention of both the federal and state governments.
“Accordingly, the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with relevant Federal Government Agencies have been taking appropriate measures by providing palliatives in the form of food and non-food items to bring succour to the people. We will continue to work hard to bring the hardship to an end. I would like to appeal for your continued understanding and cooperation as we strive to salvage the situation.
In the spirit of participatory democracy, the governor said inclusiveness would continue to be the hallmark of his administration.
“We would carry along the various segments of the State to give them a sense of belonging. Inputs for good governance of the State would be welcomed from individuals and organizations through appropriate channels. We consider every resident in the State a stakeholder. As stakeholders therefore you have roles to play either as individuals or groups, in the socio-economic development of our dear State.
“In conclusion, I would like to state that the trust and confidence you have reposed in us would not be taken for granted. We have re-strategized to faithfully justify the confidence by providing more dividends of democracy across the State. I humbly appeal for your continued support, cooperation and understanding as we strive to make Bauchi State a place that we will all be proud of,” he added.