Akpabio Warns Against Efforts To Undermine Nigeria’s Democratic Rule

Senate President urges Nigerians to defend democracy and reject attempts to weaken confidence in democratic governance.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians to defend democracy and reject attempts to weaken confidence in democratic governance.

Akpabio charged Nigerians to always strive to preserve democracy which was the essence of June 12 and described Nigeria’s democratic journey as a testament to resilience, endurance and collective commitment to constitutional rule, despite challenges that have tested the nation’s resolve over the years.

Speaking on behalf of the 10th National Assembly, Akpabio congratulated Nigerians for sustaining democracy for nearly three decades, noting that while the democratic experiment had not been without shortcomings, the nation remained on the path of progress. According to him, democracy must go beyond the periodic conduct of elections and be anchored on accountability, justice, transparency, compassion and service to the people.

The Senate President urged Nigerians not to lose faith in democratic governance, warning against attempts by anti-democratic elements to exploit prevailing socio-economic and security challenges to weaken public confidence in the system. He stressed that democratic governance remains the best platform for addressing national challenges and ensuring inclusive development.

Akpabio also used the occasion to challenge young Nigerians to become active participants in politics and governance rather than remaining passive observers. According to him, the youth represent the future of leadership in the country and must begin to prepare themselves by engaging constructively in the democratic process.

“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 youths constitute the fulcrum of those who will succeed us tomorrow,” he said.

He called on citizens to recommit themselves to the ideals of freedom, transparency, accountable government, social justice and civic engagement, which he described as the core values underpinning democratic societies. On the worsening security situation in parts of the country, Akpabio appealed for greater cooperation between citizens and government, insisting that defeating terrorism, banditry and other forms of violent crime requires collective action.

Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade, Sunday Ehighiator, Yinka Kolawole, Ahmad Sorodinki, Segun Awofadeji