The Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged Nigerians to use this year’s Democracy Day and the country’s 25 years of unbroken democracy to deepen civil rule and build a better society.
In a statement by the national chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, IPAC said June 12 symbolises the victory of democracy over military dictatorship and the resolve of Nigerians to exercise their franchise, protect their votes, and defend the mandate given to Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 presidential election.
He said citizens set aside their differences and joined the struggle for the restoration of democracy in the face of military oppression, suppression and subjugation, adding that it was a demonstration of people power.
He noted that many compatriots were killed, wounded, jailed and went on exile from where they continued the fight for the restoration of democracy and the restoration of the mandate of the acclaimed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The statement reads, “On May 29, 1999, the military relinquished power to a democratically elected government. Today, we celebrate the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria. IPAC urges citizens to uphold the Abiola legacy and imbibe democratic principles, ideals, ethics and values as we strive to build a strong, virile, stable, progressive and egalitarian society. We must make our hard-earned democracy work for the benefit of the populace so as not to be a curse like the nation’s abundant oil that is grossly mismanaged.
“There is hardship and suffering in the country today. Government at all levels should sit up and urgently address the socio-economic and security challenges as provided for in Section 14 (2)b of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, which states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. Nigerians desire and deserve the fruits of democracy to boost their living standards. Government at all levels should cut the cost of governance and implement people-oriented policies and projects. The economy should be revived; it is the only way to sustain local businesses, retain some multinational corporations leaving the country and attract foreign investors.
“As the umbrella body of all registered political parties in Nigeria, IPAC is in the vanguard for sustainable democracy, political stability and peaceful elections that will make Nigeria great again.
“Let us water and nurture the tree of democracy to yield its fruits and dividends to the masses. This is our chance to consolidate and deepen democracy in Nigeria. We are all in it together.”
