Saraki tells Nigerians not to be complacent about democracy
News & Trends •
according to the statement saraki saluted the heroes of democracy who toiled and paid different prices for the country to have elected government particularly those who paid the ultimate price with their lives saying that their labour shall definitely not be in vain1 senate president dr. abubakar bukola saraki has advised nigerians not to take for granted the continued democratic dispensation the country has been enjoying for the past 19 years but guard against actions statements and moves which can truncate the political process1 saraki was also quoted as advising nigerians to always be vigilant and speak against anti-democratic policies and actions which are capable of subverting rule of law1 he also canvassed strict adherence to the principles of rule of law separation of powers sovereignty of parliament independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press adding that our constitutional institutions must be preserved and protected1 as we celebrate democracy today i congratulate our people and express my conviction that this system of government is the best so far invented. however it goes beyond the conduct of elections to put leaders in office1 democracy involves strict adherence to rule of law as against the rule of men. it is about respect for due process and following laid down procedures. it is about respect for and building of institutions1 that is why we cannot be celebrating democracy day without canvassing for caution on some recent negative developments in our polity particularly as we prepare for next years general elections1 these include abuse of office in a manner that suggests persecution and oppression of perceived enemies stifling of free expression undermining of democratic institutions and impunity on the part of certain persons who behave as though they are above the laws of the land1 these developments should be of concern to all democrats. other political and opinion leaders who decided to veil their sight as if they are not seeing these infractions on democracy and choose to keep quiet should know that they equally pose danger to the survival of our country1 history will not be fair to us if we allow our complacency to jeopardize democracy. we all must be able to speak out with strong voice on issues that constitute a danger to democracy. eternal vigilance they say is the price of liberty the statement quoted saraki as saying1 a statement signed byyusuph olaniyonu special adviser to the senate president on media and publicity quoted saraki ascongratulating nigerians on the 19th anniversary of unbroken elected government in the country1 he called for urgent measures to quickly tackle all issues that can undermine nigerias democracy particularly insecurity and lack of good governance1 we must immediately find solution to the security issues and ensure that we return the regime of peace safety of lives and property in all parts of our country in the same way we must do all that is necessary to deliver good governance to our people and fight corruption at all levels1 these challenges must be confronted by all political leaders devoid of party loyalty ethnicity religion and personal preferences we must all set aside our personal interests and work collectively on these aforementioned issues1 it is equally necessary to warn that with the 2015 polls we have set a very high standard in africa. we cannot afford to perform less in 20191 the next general elections must be freer fairer and more peaceful than the last one. those responsible for conducting the polls must raise the bar and work to take nigeria to a higher level of electoral process1 the senate president highlighted the importance of the 2019 general election and therefore urged the peoplenot do anything that would threaten the existence of the country or its peace unity and tranquility1 it is important for all of us to note that nigeria will continue to exist after the 2019 polls. just as the country is still here after the 2015 polls1 let me use this occasion to urge all our people to avoid making and circulating hate speech which can further accentuate our fault lines and set one section of the country against the other1 rather we should all embrace tolerance and the need to be our brothers keeper. we all have a lot to gain from a united and stronger nigeria than having a nation embedded in conflict1 as we celebrate democracy day it is my wish that nigerians will continue to enjoy good governance provided by freely elected government and sustained by strong and impartial institutions all of which will lead to the creation of a developed society with the citizens freely enjoying a high standard of living saraki stated1