Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna has advised activists to task politicians to lead by example and be accountable to the people on whose mandate they are in office.
According to him, activists are expected to live above board and serve as a shining example to project democracy in a good light, and also ensure that the dividends of democracy are delivered to citizens.
He said: “The welfare and security of the people must be our top priority. We must avoid actions that will cause the people to lose faith in democracy.”
Sani gave the advice at the public presentation and formal book launch, written by Hon Abdul Oroh titled, ”Demonstration of craze: struggles and transition to democracy.
The Governor, who was represented by his Principal Private Secretary (PPS), Professor Bello Ayuba, said that activists have a collective responsibility to defend this democracy.
”Anyone who experienced military rule will not toy with democracy. Despite its imperfections, constitutional democracy remains the best system of government.
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Its key principles, like participation of citizens, rule of law, equality, transparency, accountability, human rights, political tolerance, multi-party system, and free and fair elections, are critical to the building and sustenance of a diverse and complex nation like Nigeria.”
Sani, however, urged activists to continue to constructively engage governments at the federal and state levels.
“Activate your governance observatories. Keep us on our toes. We are servants of the people. Together, let us grow and sustain this democracy,” he said.
According to the Governor, the book is a major contribution to the growing literature on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles and the search for a Nigeria of our dreams.
Describing Abdul Oroh as his long-standing comrade and dependable ally in the struggle for fundamental rights and freedoms, the Governor recalled that “we were in the trenches together.
“We fought side by side against military authoritarianism. We advocated for the expansion of democratic space and the deepening and consolidation of constitutional democracy.”
He further said that the author “made a mark in journalism and later became the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO). In 2003, he made a foray into partisan politics and was elected Member, House of Representatives.”
On the book, Sani commended Oroh for giving insights into his formative years, his driving philosophy, and his participation in the pitched battles against military rule. He also captures in graphic terms the dilemma of the civil rights activist in politics.
“How do you navigate the slippery world of Nigerian politics with your values and ethics. This is the dilemma some of us continue to face as we strive to leave lasting legacies of selfless service,” he added.
