Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called on Nigerians to stand shoulder to shoulder, stay alert, and throw their weight behind nation-building as the country marks 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
In a Democracy Day message released through his spokesperson, Eseme Eyibo, in Abuja on Friday, Akpabio described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a rough road that has nevertheless refused to break the nation’s spirit.
He said despite the bumps, setbacks, and hard knocks along the way, Nigerians have kept the democratic flame burning.
“On behalf of the 10th National Assembly, I congratulate every Nigerian for the sustenance of democracy for close to three decades.
“Mistakes have been made in the course of this journey but we will surely get to the desired destination with your support,” he stated.
The Senate President warned against forces that seek to derail the democratic train, urging citizens not to lose faith or allow bitterness and backward thinking to pull the nation off course.
He stressed that democracy must go beyond election periods, describing it as a daily responsibility anchored on fairness, accountability, compassion, and service to the common good.
Turning his attention to the youth, Akpabio said they are not just passengers in the national journey but the engine room of tomorrow’s leadership, urging them to step out of the sidelines and into the centre stage of politics and governance.
“As we commemorate June 12, I wish to encourage the youth not to sit on the fence but be active participants in the nation’s political activities. The youth constitute the fulcrum of those who will succeed us tomorrow.
“Let us therefore rededicate ourselves to the ideals of freedom, transparency and accountable government, social justice and active citizen participation, especially the youth,” he said.
On insecurity, he appealed for national unity, saying Nigeria cannot afford to fight with one hand while building with the other.
He urged citizens to rally behind the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in confronting terrorism and restoring peace across troubled areas.
“I urge every Nigerian to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his efforts to fight terrorism.
“We understand the pains you are going through but the government is not resting on its oars and hopefully, we shall overcome this current challenge and all will be well with Nigeria,” he assured.
