By Nwagbo B. C.
Every 29th May of every year is celebrated as "Democracy Day" in Nigeria. Since 29th May, 1999, when democracy was restored in Nigeria upon the establishment of first democratic dispensations which was through the election of the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, there has been a total departure from what was obtained when public holidays such as the Independence Day anniversaries were marked only with President broadcast and march pasts.
PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN PRESENTING HIS ADMINISTRATION'S MID-TERM REPORT AT THE 2013 DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY (29/5/13). The Democracy day of the 29th May, 2013 was a specially marked edition as Governments at the three tiers and the Legislature detailed the projects, policies, and programmes executed by them in office. Of special note were those of the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
This can be seen as democracy in action, as "dividends of democracy" as these are called in this clime were listed and attributed to the workings of administration's "transformation agenda."
Through the mass media of radio, TV, newspapers etc, people in all strata of life, including diplomats have commended the President and his team were awarded a pass mark.
Here in Akwa Ibom State, the people of the State, felicitated with the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and the Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio for executing people-oriented projects.
One Mr. Peter Udo Akpan, a teacher, commended Governor Godswill Akpabio for the free education given to the people of Akwa Ibom; noting that even people from other States came to the State to benefit. He said, obviously Governor Akpabio will be leaving office, come 29 May, 2015; he urged any other incoming Governor to follow this step and keep the stone rolling as education is for the betterment of the entire people of the State.
A Don at the University of Uyo, Mr. Essiet Etim N. commended the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as a rare gem in administration of resources, however, he said the issue of unemployment and insecurity in the country should be seriously tackled.
Chief Gabriel Udoh Ekwere gave pass mark to the President that despite security challenges facing Nigeria, the President, he said is doing well. He said, the Governor of Akwa Ibom also, has performed well and should be commended by all and sundry.
The speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Hon. Sam Ikon has commended the President, Dr. Jonathan and the Governor, Chief Akpabio for a job well done, urging that democratic practice should be sustained. He therefore directed the clerk of the House to formally send a letter of felicitation to the President and the Governor on the occasion of democracy day.
Meanwhile, the people of Akwa Ibom State, especially, the elders, the chieftains, the activists, the youths and all strata of life in the State had congratulated the executive Governor of the State, Chief Dr. Godswill Obot Akpabio for his untiring effort to transform the State vis-viz the uncommon transformation of the present administration, urging him to keep the tempo high for the remaining years for the benefits of the grassroots.
Democracy day has come and gone, Nigeria remains, and the efforts to sustain democracy should be pursued vigorously; the security challenges and other sundry inadequacies should be tackled with all seriousness. Issues such as unemployment of the teeming youths should be tackled headlong.
Nwagbo B. C., Head, Federal Information Resource Centre, Uyo, sent in this piece.Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
Democracy Day was just a celebration. But there is nothing democractic about Nigeria yet. We're still awaiting that.