Former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar has described democracy as a journey that requires the dedication of not only the leaders but every citizen, saying Africans should reaffirm their commitment to building a continent where democracy thrives and every individual can achieve full potential.
He spoke in Abuja at the Leadership Scorecard Public Lecture on Democracy in Africa/Award presentation held in his honour.
The former military leader said astute leadership and sustenance of democracy in Africa should be a collective endeavour.
“Astute leadership is characterised by the ability to inspire trust, foster unity and drive development through accountable governance. It demands that we listen to the voices of our citizens, embrace transparency and uphold justice. In this regard, I have always believed that leadership is not about wielding power but about serving the people with integrity and dedication. Leaders must fulfil promises they made,” General Abubakar said.
Kenyan lawyer and activist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, in his presentation, said democracy sometimes is a happy word because it is understood differently.
“But permit me to say that throughout my intervention, my understanding of democracy will mean a government that guarantees and acknowledges people’s participation, and a government that gives the opportunity from a standpoint of enlightenment to electing to office men and women who will serve them,” he said.
Former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olumide Apata, remained optimistic about the future on Nigeria’s democratic journey, saying; “We are not there yet, but I’m happy that we are alive to witness 25 years a quarter of a century of progress. I’m hopeful that in the next 25 years we will have made more significant achievements in our democratic journey.”
Publisher/CEO of Leadership Scorecard magazine, Humphery Onyima, said the event aimed to reiterate and celebrate the legacy and iconic accomplishments of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in the sustenance of peace and democracy in Africa.
