…hails 21 years of uninterrupted democratic experience.
…call on government to stabilize the economy and unity among it’s citizens; tackle insecurity, corruption and give hope to the youths through better youth development policies and programs.
June 12, 2020.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Edo State felicitates with Nigerians as we continue bask in the euphoria of enjoying peaceful democracy. This year’s democracy day is coming few days after a Benin High Court affirmed the emergence of it’s Chairman, Comrade Osahon Obasuyi in it’s last state elective congress held in 2018. A fair process that was made possible for the sake of democracy.
So as we commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria which occurred 21 years ago, a new beginning which ended multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966 and had been interrupted only by a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983. Until June 6, 2018, it was held annually on May 29. Democracy Day marks the day the military handed over power to an elected civilian government in 1999, marking the beginning of the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria’s independence from colonial rule in 1960. It is a tradition that has been held annually, beginning in year 2000. June 12 was formerly known as Abiola Day, celebrated in Lagos and some south western states of Nigeria. The change done was to commemorate the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993, in what has been adjudged to be Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections. It was, however, cancelled by the Ibrahim Babangida junta.
Until 1999, Generals had ruled the oil-rich West African country for the previous 15 years. The ceremony was said to be attended by heads of state and representatives from more than 40 countries. The mood was reported as upbeat and the new leader promised prosperity to the thousands of his countrymen who were in the stadium. Millions of others watched the ceremony on television. Others listened to newly elected president Olusegun Obasanjo’s speech on radio. But after 21 years of democracy and four presidents, where is Nigeria today?
Surely, the Edo state chapter of the NYCN hails this 21years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country and as this day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, our achievements and struggles. We as a youth driven body salutes young Nigerians all over the world who have toiled, made history and are still working tirelessly to create pathways for other youths to follow.
Our NYCN categorically states that there are roadblocks to a strong democracy in Nigeria at all levels of government. Conflicts triggered by political competition and communal, ethnic, religious or resource allocation rivalries posses a major threat to democracy. Corruption pervades the daily lives of Nigerians. Many government institutions do not adequately engage with citizens or the private sector and lack the capacity to carry out their mandates. Further, civil society lacks both the capacity and the resources to effectively engage with government and advocate for change.
In as much as President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier today given account of his stewardship in his Democracy Day National Broadcast, the Osahon Obasuyi’s leadership of the council in Edo, encourage government at all levels to enhance engagement of youths, opinion leaders and other stakeholders to restore hope in the Nigeria dream. As Nigeria is aware that its youth population remains a source of strength in achieving development objectives, government at all level should strongly concentrate in the developing of our skills, providing us with opportunities to express our entrepreneurial, research and industrial capacities as well as ample opportunity to take leadership positions in the service of the nation.
We are aware that the anti corruption agencies have secured over a thousand convictions and also recovered several billions of naira. So we urge government to strongly ensure that these recovered funds are channeled into development and infrastructure projects and not re-looted. We urge government to step up it’s work to reduce social and economic inequality in Nigeria. The need to urgently end insurgence, banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation, especially in Edo state with reference to the recent rape and murder of Miss Uwaila and Barr. Iyoha in Benin city, amongst others. Nigeria should always be governed by the rule of law and we call of government to uphold the constitution and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians. The legal rights of Nigerians should be promoted.
Similarly, youths all over the country, beginning with Edo state are urged to take responsibility for the bright future we want to see. Enough of wasting precious time waiting for government, because government can’t do it all. Get education, earn a skill, spend little income wisely, be law abiding, and above all, go about life being Godly. It has gotten to a stage where there should be a unification of youths throughout the nation without minding the tribe, region or differences. There is need to come together to agree against abuse, disrespect of human right, unfavorable constitution, poor governance and exemption of youths from the government. We should come out en mass without fear of convict, death or casualties but legally. We should take back our generation from the prodigal Nigerian Leaders. We shouldn’t condone the further destruction of our tomorrow. We should be tired of complaining and the time to act is NOW.
Indeed, Nigeria has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go. The NYCN in Edo state believe we could have been far ahead of where we are currently.
Build the youth… Build the nation!!!
Signed:
Comrade Charles Osagie (Mr Impact).
Public Relations Officer.
NYCN Edo State.
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