- says current leaders must not deviate from the visions of heroes’ past
Kogi state Governor, Yahaya Bello has stressed that good governance boosted by quality leadership remained cardinal in delivering democratic dividends to the citizenry who entrusted respective leaders with the responsibility to govern them.
He added that the current leadership of Nigeria must not only remain committed to the founding visions of the nation but they must also provide visions of a new and better tomorrow on which future leaders can also build.
Governor Yahaya Bello, who noted that the efforts of elders and the youth are complementary in nation-building urged for a synergy of ideas and efforts if the sacrifices of past heroes of nationalism and democratic struggles in Nigeria are to be sustained.
The governor made this known on Sunday through a press statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed in commemoration of the 2022 June 12th Democracy day celebrations.
Governor Bello asserted that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has greatly deepened democratic practices in the nature, particularly those relating to free and fair elections, press freedom, administration of justice and open governance, and expressed his belief that the 2023 General Elections will reflect these principles like never before.
He noted that despite the numerous challenges faced, it was still the duty of government to guarantee security, unity and prosperity to all Nigerians and noted that the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress, will not shy away from this basic responsibility.
The governor noted that Chief MKO Abiola and the many others known and unknown who, by their sacrificial contributions strengthened democracy in the nation must never be forgotten or diminished at any point in our history as a nation.
Governor Yahaya Bello felicitated with Nigerians on this year’s event, and urged all citizens to position themselves to participate fully in the ongoing electoral process and in the overall advancement of democracy in the country. Specifically, he called for all citizens to register to vote, to hold leaders at their levels constantly accountable and to remain vigilant of their constitutional rights.
The governor added that in the current political season, citizens should ask questions from those willing to contest for elective positions of their plans, programs and policies and ensure that they actively participate in selecting through the ballot those that would have their mandate.