The Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of humanity, dignity, fairness and national unity as the foundation of a stable and thriving democracy.
- +Democracy Day: Natasha calls for unity, national cohesion
In her Democracy Day message on Friday, the lawmaker said the occasion offered an opportunity for deeper reflection on the country’s democratic journey and the responsibilities of citizens in strengthening national cohesion.
In her Democracy Day message on Friday, the lawmaker said the occasion offered an opportunity for deeper reflection on the country’s democratic journey and the responsibilities of citizens in strengthening national cohesion.
She anchored her message on a recent FIFA match involving Mexico and South Africa, noting that reactions from many Africans during the encounter revealed a wider lesson about human relationships, perception, and the importance of dignity in social and international interactions.
According to her, the sporting encounter illustrated how people naturally gravitate towards those who treat them with respect and dignity, regardless of race, tribe, nationality or geographical boundaries.
“As Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day today, I urge us all to reflect on a simple lesson from sport and humanity,” she said.
Referencing the match, she noted: “During FIFA’s recent match between Mexico and South Africa, many Africans openly supported Mexico.
‘Beyond football banter, it revealed a deeper truth: people will often stand with those who treat them with dignity, regardless of race, tribe, nationality, or geography.”
She stressed that the survival and progress of democracy depend on the ability of citizens to rise above narrow identities and embrace shared values that promote justice, fairness, mutual respect and collective humanity.
“Democracy itself is built on this principle. It thrives when we rise above narrow identities and embrace fairness, justice, mutual respect, and shared humanity,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further called on Nigerians to deepen compassion, inclusiveness and understanding in their daily interactions, warning that divisions along ethnic or social lines weaken national development and social cohesion.
She maintained that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to treat one another with dignity regardless of background.
“Whether in politics, community life, or international relations, our greatest strength lies not in tribal loyalty but in our ability to treat one another with compassion and dignity.
“On this Democracy Day, may we choose humanity over prejudice, unity over division, and brotherhood over exclusion,” the senator said.
Democracy Day is observed annually on June 12 to commemorate Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999 and to honour the sacrifices of individuals who contributed to the nation’s democratic journey.
