Today is June 12, marked in our dear country as Democracy Day . It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated.
On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion and region.
It is these qualities that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy.
Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O AbIola as a worthy leader for nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world.
Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.
This year’s Democracy day is an opportunity to recall that democracy is about the people. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation as it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights.
As we celebrate Nigeria’s Democracy day, I urge all Nigerians to rise to the challenge of contributing to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. As a nation, we must use our diversity as a source of unity to build a fair and equal society, where the collective strength and wishes of the people will become the driving force and the cornerstone on which the nation can realize it’s true potentials in all fields of human endeavour.
Conclusively, I wish to congratulate all Nigerians on the commemoration of this redefining moment in our nation’s history. I am optimistic that the future is pregnant with great benefits for us as Nigerians and all we need to do is to prepare ourselves to tap into the opportunities that lie ahead.
Happy Democracy Day
*Hon. Sir. Azuka Okwuosa* (Chinyelugo)
APC Aspirant, Anambra South Senatorial By-Election*
AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA*
