Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has enjoined Nigerians and people of the state to do more to preserve democracy for the sake of posterity.
Otu stated this, yesterday, in a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Ogbeche, to mark this year’s Democracy Day.
While promising citizens of an all-inclusive government and an open door policy, Otu warned against acts that are capable of truncating democratic governance in the state and country.
The governor reminded the people of his administration’s ‘People First Agenda’ and assured them of his commitment to the economic growth, prosperity and security of the state.
He said: “Having come a long way as a country, we must do more to preserve this democracy for the sake of posterity.
“Apart from being the fifth consecutive democratic transfer of power from one administration to another since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, it marks the beginning of a new and critical administration in our almost 24 years of unbroken democratic experience.
“I urge you not only to pray for success of the new administration, but also to work and walk with us to greatness.
“Let us continue to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the mandate you gave to me and my brother, Peter Odey.”
Also, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has saluted the late MKO Abiola for being the symbol of the nation’s democratic struggle, whose ultimate sacrifice, he said, has helped shape Nigeria’s democracy.
Eno said it is fitting that President Bola Tinubu was in the vanguard of that struggle, and his message to Nigerians, yesterday, especially the aspect that urged them to be patient as issues around the removal of fuel subsidy are being resolved, was spot on.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ekerete Udoh, the governor celebrated the resilience of Nigerians in ensuring that the nation’s democratic ethos and traditions are deepened.
He added: “In the coming days, we would have meetings with relevant stakeholders, especially the petroleum products marketers in our state to explore ways of ensuring the planned palliatives are applied to cushion effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
“Let me commend and salute the people of Akwa Ibom State for staying true to the ideals of our democracy, and ensuring continuity in good governance through our A.R.I S.E Agenda.”
