Kano residents mark 27 years of democracy, urge more govt. commitment

Kano residents have said that the 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria is worth celebrating because it brought a lot of developments since the return of the country to the democratic system in 1999.

They made this known in separate interviews with the News reporters in Kano.

A cross section of the residents noted that sustaining the democratic system of government since 1999 remains Nigeria’s most significant achievement that is worthy of celebration.

The residents said the system had strengthened citizens’ rights to participate in governance, and express their opinions freely, unlike during the military rule.

One of the residents, Mrs Rabi Tajudeen, said in democracy, citizens have rights to express their opinions and hold leaders accountable for what they are doing.

She said that would assist to bring positive change in the society.

A 300-level Political Science student, Habiba Nasir, stated that the electoral process has improved significantly through the introduction of the BVAS, and has increased voter consciousness.

She therefore urged all stakeholders to continue to do more in enhancing the electoral processes that would further entrenched good governance for the betterment of the country.

Nasir also called on governments at all levels to focus more attention on improving citizens’ welfare, fighting security and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Sadik Usman, a student, expressed delight that as the nation had transitioned from dictatorship to democracy, it should now shift towards good governance.

He said it was through good governance that it would be able to address some of its challenges like poverty, unemployment and insecurity bedevilling its development.

On his part, a commercial tricycle operator, Ibrahim Suleiman, said insecurity, unemployment and poor infrastructure remain major concerns among Nigerians.

“We thank God for democracy because it has given people a voice, but there is still a lot to be done.

“If you look at the current situation now, many youths are unemployed, the government should try to focus more attention on job creation, addressing poverty, inflation and improving security,” he advised.

A small-scale business operator, Shehu Ahmed, said though democracy strengthened citizens’ rights to participate in governance, Nigerians should continue to cultivate the habit of patriotism.

He also said that some small scale businesses were still struggling to survive due to inflation, high costs of production, among others.

“High inflation, unstable power supply, and rising transportation costs have made it difficult for many small businesses to grow.

“Democracy should go beyond elections and translate into better living conditions and a more favourable business environment for ordinary citizens,” he said.

Ahmed further urged the government to improve infrastructure and ensure policy consistency to support small and medium-scale enterprises.

The respondents further demanded non-partisan accountability in the fight against corruption to ensure that public resources are effectively utilised for the benefit of all citizens.

The residents concluded that while Nigeria’s democracy has outlasted previous attempts, the next phase must translate electoral success into visible improvements in the livelihoods of citizens.