NIGERIANS CELEBRATE DEMOCRACY AMID INSECURITY, HUNGER AND UNCERTAINTY

By PHC Telegraph

Nigerians at home and across the diaspora are today marking Democracy Day with a mixture of pride, reflection and concern as the nation particularly celebrates 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule against a backdrop of economic hardship, insecurity and growing social anxiety.

The annual observance commemorates the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history, and honours the sacrifices of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, his wife Kudirat, pro-democracy activists, journalists and ordinary citizens who paid dearly in the struggle to restore democratic governance.

Across the country, schools, government offices and financial institutions remain closed as Nigerians reflect on the gains and shortcomings of democratic rule since the return to civilian government in 1999.

In Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara described democracy as Nigeria’s most effective system of government and urged citizens to remain committed to the ideals of freedom, justice, accountability and national unity.

“June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today,” the governor said. “The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and many other patriots remain a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians.”

Fubara acknowledged that the nation’s democratic journey has not been without challenges but noted that the resilience of democratic institutions and the determination of the people have continued to sustain the country.

The governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said seeks to strengthen democratic institutions, improve national security and revitalise the economy.

In Abuja, President Tinubu used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to democratic governance, economic reforms and national unity.

“Today, we celebrate not only democracy but also the enduring Nigerian spirit,” the President declared, noting that Nigeria has now enjoyed 27 consecutive years of civilian rule. He observed that Nigerians increasingly resolve political disagreements through constitutional institutions rather than violence.

The President paid tribute to the heroes of June 12 and urged citizens to continue defending democratic values through peaceful engagement, dialogue and civic participation.

“Every time we debate instead of battle, discuss instead of fight, and argue instead of destroy, we preserve the institutions of democracy,” Tinubu said.

Yet beyond the official celebrations, many Nigerians remain concerned about the state of the nation.

Several communities across parts of the country continue to battle insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence. Thousands of families have been displaced from their homes while many households struggle with rising food prices and the high cost of living.

As Democracy Day is being celebrated, reports of kidnapped school children, teachers and other citizens held captive by criminal groups serve as a painful reminder that many Nigerians still live under the shadow of fear and uncertainty.

Political analysts say the country’s democratic institutions have survived numerous tests over the past two decades, but insist that democracy must ultimately be judged by its ability to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.

For many Nigerians, therefore, June 12 remains both a celebration and a challenge: a celebration of the triumph of the people’s will over military rule, and a challenge to build a nation where freedom is matched by security, opportunity and shared prosperity.

As the nation reflects on its democratic journey, President Tinubu perhaps captured the mood best when he reminded Nigerians that while the country still faces significant challenges, “Our nation is not perfect, but it is strong.”

Twenty-seven years after the return of democratic rule, the question many citizens continue to ask is whether the dividends of democracy will eventually reach every home, every community and every Nigerian.