Nigeria At 66: In Spite Of Previous Military Incursions, Democracy Has Fared Well – Sokoto LGs Commissioner
Nigeria At 66: In Spite Of Previous Military Incursions, Democracy Has Fared Well – Sokoto LGs Commissioner
From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Dadi Adare, the Dallatun Gobir, has declared that in spite of previous military incursions in the leadership of Nigeria, democracy has fared well since its return in 1999.
Adare stated this on Friday in Sokoto while addressing newsmen to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
He said Nigeria’s 66 years of independence are a milestone worth celebrating, a moment for rejoicing and thanksgiving for the unity, resilience and progress of the country.
“I want to use this opportunity to celebrate with all Nigerians for witnessing the 66th year of Nigeria’s independence.
” It is of course something to be rejoiced about and to be happy with,” he said.
The Commissioner gave glowing tributes to the founding fathers of Nigeria, including Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto and other nationalists, for their sacrifices, patriotism and foresight in laying the foundation for an independent, united and prosperous Nigeria.
According to him, their legacies of selfless service, unity and commitment to national development remain a guiding light for present and future generations.
Adare noted that although successive military administrations did their best to ensure the unity of the country and recorded some level of development, democracy remains the best form of government that is acceptable to all.
“Democracy remains the best form of government that’s acceptable to all. It is the government of the people, for the people and by the people,” he said.
He added: “When compared with democracy, military administration cannot be compared with it. There is always representation at various levels of governance and people always want to feel a sense of belonging particularly when it comes to issue of democracy.”
He noted that significant achievements have been recorded under democratic governance, particularly in representation, national unity and socio-economic development, and paid tribute to past democratic leaders including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and former President Goodluck Jonathan, for their contributions to nation building.
On Sokoto State, the Commissioner extolled the sterling achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, declaring that his 9-Point Smart Agenda has hugely transformed the state from 2023 to date.
He said the agenda has impacted all sectors, including security, education, health, water supply, infrastructure, agriculture, religious affairs, local government and economic empowerment, thereby improving the living standard of the people.
Adare also applauded the APC leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, attributing the myriad of achievements recorded by the incumbent administration to his fatherly guidance, mentorship and support.
Commenting on the forthcoming 2027 general elections, he appealed to Nigerians, particularly the people of Sokoto State, to remain peaceful, united and law-abiding, and urged the electorate to participate actively in the electoral process, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and vote for credible leaders who will sustain development, peace and good governance.
He also called on politicians to play politics with decorum, tolerance and respect for democratic rules, and to shun acts capable of causing disunity or violence.
