Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyi Odii, has called for sober reflection on the country’s democracy.
He made the call in a statement issued by his Anyi G’Emeya Movement.
The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the movement, Moses Idika.
Mr Odii, who was the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 gubernatorial election, said the celebration is an opportunity to reflect on democracy as a form of governance in Nigeria.
He said: “Today we are marking 26 years of unbroken democratic governance in Nigeria. As we role out drums to celebrate Democracy Day 2025, it is time for reflection.
“It is time to reflect on the issues and promises that democracy brings and for us to introspect on these issues to find out if indeed we have enjoyed or are enjoying democracy in Ebonyi State.
“Democracy brings peace; democracy brings security and sense of security; democracy imbues freedom, free enterprise, industrialisation.
“Democracy raises the standard of living of the people; democracy breeds patriotism and service to the people; democracy brings growth and peace.
“As we mark this year’s democracy day, it is my wish that we evaluate our practice of democracy from the above parametres so that it becomes a guide to our actions, attitude and outlook on political power.”
He urged the people of the state to be steadfast, believe in democracy, because democracy really means the people first.
“It means peace, democracy means prosperity, sustainable progress collective growth.”
Mr Odii further urged Nigerians to shun primordial sentiments and work together for the unity and development of the country.
“It is important that we also reflect on the fact that June 12 represents the collective resolve of Nigerians across political, ethnic and religious lines.
“June 12 represents the collectivism of one Nigeria, a Nigeria that is blind to primordial sentiments. June 12 stands for our collective destiny as a great nation and to keep the real memory of June 12 is to revert to the very fabric that united Nigeria on June 12, 1993,” he said.
