Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has advised Nigerians to improve on their choice of leaders in the next general election.
Abubakar, who gave the call in his Democracy Day message,
however, appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with those in government
until they complete their tenures.
The Turakin Adamawa also appealed to Nigerians to pray for
the quick recovery and the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari so that he
can continue his work of entrenching democracy and development.
He advised those contemplating an alternative form of
government to perish the idea, stressing that democracy remains the best form
of government.
The statement by his media office reads, “Former
vice-president and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku
Abubakar congratulates Nigerians of all political persuasions on the occasion
of this years’ Democracy Day, which coincides with the second anniversary of
the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“The Turakin Adamawa says that Nigerians should be proud of
themselves for doing away with military governments in 1999, in favour of
democracy, which the world over, gives voice and a sense of belonging to more
people in society.
“He counsels all those who may be contemplating alternatives
to perish such thoughts as the worst form of democratic rule has been adjudged
far better than the best form of military dictatorship.
“Among the virtues of democracy, aside public discussion, is
the culture of patience with the leadership which informs that once an election
has taken place, and a leader is elected, the populace has to be patient with
the leader until he completes his tenure. The implication of this, says the
Turaki, is that a democratic system imbues the people with political wisdom, to
improve on their mode of selection of leaders with each election that takes place.
“The best guarantee for the peace, progress and development
of plural societies like Nigeria, and even homogeneous entities, is democracy
because popular political participation and inclusiveness in government helps
to develop patriotism in the citizenry and this galvanises the best endeavours
of the people for the development of the society.
“Noting that the beauty of democracy is the opportunity it
gives to the people to elect their leaders, the former Vice President
acknowledges the improvements in the electoral processes over the years since
1999 and calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission not to rest on
its oars in making credible and transparent elections possible in the country.
“While wishing the government and people the best of this
period, which coincides with the second anniversary of this administration, and
the days ahead, the former vice president and recipient of the ‘Hero of Nigeria
Democracy’ award, urges Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery and safe
return of President Muhammadu Buhari to continue with the work of entrenching
democracy and development in the country.”
By Seun Opejobi
