One of the criteria to maintain democracy in the nation, according to former Head of State Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), is ongoing nurturing and vigilance.
At the second ThisNigeria Newspaper Gold Prize and Annual Lecture Awards on Thursday in Abuja, under the auspices of the lecture “25 Years of Nigeria’s Unbroken Democracy – Prospects and Possibilities,” Abubakar, represented by Gen. Adamu Jidda, stated that social justice, human rights, economic development, and electoral integrity continue to be crucial issues that require the nation’s attention and action.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that he thought the country’s democratic journey had not been without its difficulties.
He said that democracy was a process that was still developing and that the previous 25 years had taught the nation that it needed ongoing care and attention.
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“We have faced political turmoil, economic volatility, and social upheaval, yet the Nigerian spirit has remained indomitable,” he declared.
According to Abubakar, Nigerians have demonstrated that, in spite of their disagreements, they are unified in their desire to hold inclusive, prosperous, and democratic elections.
He was upbeat about the prospects and challenges that the next 25 years would undoubtedly bring, saying that Nigerians as a whole had a duty to see to it that the democratic institutions were reinforced and the foundations developed.
He asked Nigerians to pause and consider the incredible trip their country had made over the last 25 years.
He noted that the country entered a new era of democratic administration in 1999, one characterised by hopes, difficulties, and a steadfast dedication to the ideals of equality, justice, and freedom.
He counselled the nation to acknowledge the importance of the media in the political process, stating that the media has served as the watchdog of democracy by holding elected officials responsible, bringing important issues to light, and giving a voice to a variety of viewpoints.
According to Abubakar, Nigeria has led the way in this attempt, promoting the idea of free and fair journalism.
