We Must Fight To Keep Democracy In The Country – Tinubu Tells Nigerians

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians to continue to nurture democracy in the country.

He added that Nigerians deserve to be commended for how far they have come in the democratic process but must not allow anyone to drag them back.

Tinubu said this on Friday in his Democracy Day message with the theme, ‘June 12: A milestone for democracy’.

According to the APC national leader, the fight and struggle for democracy must not be allowed to be in vain.

“We must continue to be vigilant and keep watch over our democracy and ward off those who may want to draw us back toward a dimmer period.

“Nigerians deserve congratulations and commendation for their investment in democracy and for how far we have come. “However, we equally must warn and remind ourselves how far we must go,” he said.

He also highlighted those he noted fought for democracy in Nigeria, adding that the seed planted by such people must be nurtured to maturity.

“Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, late Gani Fawehinmi, Baba Omojola, late Pa Rewane, late Pa Enahoro, Baba Ajasin, Pa Adesanya and Baba Adebanjo.

“Others are Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Femi Falana, members of the civil society groups and student activists all fought hard and struggled mightily on everyone’s behalf.

“Many laid down their lives that we may have this brighter moment. “Many people whom we do not know also lost their life or climb to bring this moment to pass. “On this day, we duly honour such patriots. We remember them and commend their sacrifice.”

 

“We must keep and nurture democracy, not for its own sake, but for ours,” he said.

Tinubu also singled out President Muhammadu Buhari for his courage to make June 12 Democracy Day in Nigeria.

“President Buhari, however, realized the import of June 12 and understood that this day more than any other best symbolized our national pursuit of democracy.

“In spite political opposition, Buhari helped set the record straight by making June 12, Democracy Day,” he said.

Adding that “Only a democratic government would have been so informative and open. “Only a democratic government would have initiated palliatives and worked in a cooperative manner with the states to devise the best possible policies to fit local circumstances.”

Tinubu further urged Nigerians to continue to defend democracy while striving to get it right as a people and as a country.

“Let us use democracy to win the present battle for national prosperity in all of its forms over poverty.

“The times we face are not the easiest but we have a destiny to reach and a democratic roadmap on how to get there. “Hand in hand, let us get there together,” he said.

“We must remain vigilant and do even more to elevate freedom of thought and expression. “I wish all Nigerians a memorable Democracy Day and many more years of enduring democracy,” he noted.