Senate President, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan has felicitated with Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day.
Lawan in a statement on Thursday said June 12 has become a metaphor for free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
According to him, It is 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’s unity and attainment of its great potential.
He also advised citizens to embrace a healthy democratic practice devoid of desperation and violence.
“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 21 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.”
Lawan, therefore, urged Nigerians to continue to have faith in the capacity of the system to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.
“On our part as the Legislature, we will continue to provide the platform for improving that system and democratic practice across board.
“The on-going process of constitutional amendment and the much awaited electoral reforms will take cognizance of our past pitfalls and the democratic ethos required to guide us to where we want to be.
“As we celebrate our Democracy on this unique day, I wish Nigeria eternal peace, unity and prosperity. May God bless Nigeria.”
