Nigeria will overcome its challenges —Govs
MAY 30, 2013
Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan
Governors Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Idris Wada (Kogi), among other governors on Wednesday said the country would overcome many of its developmental challenges.
They spoke on the celebration of the country’s Democracy Day.
Other governors, who spoke on the occasion, are Peter Obi (Anambra); Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta); Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom); and the Niger State Governor, Babangida Aliyu.
Ahmed, in his speech entitled, ‘Continuity delivered, prosperity assured’, in Ilorin, urged the people not to despair but to have hope for a brighter future.
He said, “As we look back at the last 14 years and reflect on our current situation, some may be discouraged by the challenges that threaten to overshadow our democracy. Our resilience is stronger. We will overcome these temporary setbacks.”
He noted that his administration had recorded significant achievements in road construction, youth empowerment and health care delivery.
He added that it had made giant strides in education, water supply, energy and small business promotion.
Wada, in a broadcast, noted that insecurity remained a major threat to the country’s democracy.
He called on Nigerians to continue to remain on the alert and be their brother’s keepers.
Noting that there was no viable alternative to democracy, he listed the values and principles of democracy to include legitimate political authority through the people and the involvement of all in decision making directly or through representatives.
He said the Jonathan’s administration had handled the biggest security challenges facing the nation and his transformation agenda was working.
Obi, who urged Nigerians to reflect on the real meaning of democracy, said it was for the benefit of all.
Democracy, he said, was for the benefit of the rich, the poor, the sick and the underprivileged.
He spoke when he visited the Oji River Leprosy Centre.
As part of the celebration, Obi also granted amnesty to 23 prisoners in the state.
Akpabio hailed the martyrs of the nation’s democracy, saying without them, self-government would not have been possible in the country.
He said, “I want to salute all those who gave their lives for this democracy to survive today. People like Chief MKO Abiola, the late President Musa Yar’Adua, Chief Alfred Rewane, and many journalists who lost their lives while fighting for the enthronement and survival of democratic rule.”
Aliyu said, “It is Democracy Day. Let us consolidate on the gains of the democratic rule and rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of peace, unity and socio-economic development of our dear nation.
“Nigeria will surely be great.”
No comments:
Post a Comment