The Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for setting aside June 12 for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a message to mark Democracy Day, Mr. Akpan who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), said it was important to celebrate “not only the heroes of our democratic journey so far, but particularly bringing to the fore the sacrificial and historic role of the man behind the declaration of Democracy Day on June 12, the business mogul and consummate politician, Late Chief MKO Abiola.”
He also thanked his constituents for all their support over the years and urged them to support leadership and participate fully in all democratic processes.
The address read:
“My dear Constituents,
“I sincerely join our dear President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and the entire citizens to celebrate our Democracy Day.
“It is worth appreciating the Almighty God for His unquantifiable mercies in our successful journey so far despite the vicissitudes that have rocked us as a people, both at our pre and post independent Nigeria.
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“Without equivocation, we must salute the wisdom and courage of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to have set aside June 12 for the celebration of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Obviously, it is quite germane to celebrate not only the heroes of our democratic journey so far, but particularly bringing to the fore the sacrificial and historic role of the man behind the declaration of Democracy Day on June 12, the business mogul and consummate politician, Late Chief MKO Abiola, GCFR (1937-1998).
“Let me reiterate that as we celebrate this democratic milestones, we must fully reflect on the lessons of it, and in likewise, accept the reality that growing a nation to a desirable height in all ramifications, is totally dependent on the continuous sacrificial inputs of her citizenry. The dire ingredients therefore as we march on, hinges on selflessness, forthrightness, piety and patriotism by all, even beyond the realms of all strata of leadership.
“I encourage my constituents, nay all Nigerians to keep hope alive, support leadership and participate fully in all democratic processes. We must admit that our gains since 1999 till date, far outweigh our challenges. Together, we shall achieve our dreams at all levels; at senatorial, state and nation.
“Long live Akwa Ibom North East Senatorial District!
“Long live Akwa Ibom State!!
“Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
“Hearty felicitations!”