As Nigeria celebrates the annual Democracy Day codenamed “June 12”, this Wednesday, a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Bamisile, has charged Nigerians to raise the bar of governance, by holding their leaders accountable to preserve and sustain the country’s democratic rule .
The Federal Lawmaker, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, said democracy can only be profitable and effective, if Nigerians shun “politics of tokenism”, and begin to rate their leaders from a broader prism of concrete delivery of promises made to them during electioneering.
Saluting Nigerians for serving as a bulwark against military incursion into the country’s body polity, Bamisile urged them to defend democracy and make their voices loud, so that leaders can wean themselves from dictatorial tendencies and embrace inclusive governance.
The Chairman, House Committee on Delegated Legislation, said these in a statement, on Tuesday, congratulating Nigerians on the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
However, Bamisile reminded that Nigerians can only savour enduring democracy, if leaders are inclusive in approach, protect human rights, shun oppression, dictatorship and as well recognise the people as the most prime factor, rather than selves.
Commending those he described as “Martyrs of Democracy” for paying the supreme price for civilian rule to be berthed firmly in Nigeria, the lawmaker urged Nigerian leaders to remember them and offer requisite support for their families.
“Let me congratulate Nigerians, particularly the Ekiti State citizens on the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
“Though, we might not have got to the promised land, but we should be elated and thankful that we have a government that recognises our voices collectively or individually.
“The fact that we have enjoyed democracy for a time spanning 25 years stretch under this dispensation worth celebrating. Gone were the days when we were under the burden of military claws, when our voices were subjugated by military junta.
“We must be circumspect of our actions as a people. Our actions and inactions can sabotage the gains of democracy, and that is why we must begin to hold our leaders accountable. We must rate them based on concrete evidence of delivery.
“We shouldn’t allow ethnic and religious bonds as well as partisan interests becloud our reasoning. Leaders who are delivering must be praised, while those endangering democracy must be rejected. These are the ways we can make this democracy flourish and profitable for all citizens”, he said.
Despite the snags and foibles in the country’s democracy, Bamisile maintained that it remains the best form of government that can protect the people’s interests and preserve the rights of all citizens, saying no effort should be spared to protect and sustain it.
“Under this context, those holding positions of authorities in trust for the people must prioritise the interests of the governed, so that occasional call for military usurpation can be suppressed permanently”, Bamisile advised.