By Jeleel Olawale
A former governorship aspirant in Osun State, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, has called on Nigerian leaders to make sacrifices for the citizenry.
Ibiyemi made this call in his message for commemorating this year’s Democracy Day, noting that Nigerian leaders must make genuine commitment for poor Nigerians and unity of the country.
He said, “We must remember the sacrifices made by the past heroes for the enthronement of democracy in the country and the continued existence of the country in unity, fairness and justice.”
According to him, “Celebrating Democracy Day in the country is an indication that not only has democratic governance firmly rooted, but also come to stay in Nigeria, stressing that there is no better alternative to democracy as a form of government that gives people choice to choose their leaders.
“Although Nigeria is not in scarcity of good leaders but lack of sacrifices by the leaders affecting our democratic system. Democracy Day is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in Nigeria.”
Ibiyemi, who is an aspirant in the just concluded All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary, said there is no better alternative to democracy as a form of government that gives the people the right to choose who to govern them and how they want to be governed.
“It is this democratic right of choice that puts elected governments at both the national and the state levels on their toes so as not to incur the wrath of the electorate by being voted out of power during the period of elections,” he stated.
He noted that government at all levels to see to the social-economic wellbeing of the people of the citizenry in the country, saying that the current leaders should make more sacrifices to reduce high level poverty in the country.
“The protection of lives and property of people is the primary responsibility of the government and these are enshrined in the constitution. The federal government should ensure security as well as guaranteed peace and tranquility in the country.
“I want to salute Nigerians for their unwavering commitment to forge a better, stronger, safer and more prosperous nation despite the little setback in the attempt to put in place stronger democratic values in the country.”
Ibiyemi, therefore, tasked all Nigerians of voting age to ensure they have their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to exercise their civic responsibility by partaking in the general elections by voting leaders who would make more sacrifices for the development of the country.