Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has told Nigerians not to despair in the face of the daunting Economic and Socio-political challenges but to remain steadfast for our democracy to endure.
Senator Mark in a goodwill message to Nigerians marking this year’s democracy day noted that it was by deliberate choice and design that the nation chose presidential democracy as the best form of government because it is representative and participatory .
This year’s democracy day, Senator Mark noted is unique “because it is the first time in the last 17 years of uninterrupted Civilian administration that an opposition political party is in charge.”
In spite of some criticisms, he noted that the solid foundation the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration put in place for 16 years guaranteed the congenial atmosphere that enabled an opposition party to win elections.
Senator Mark stated: “The PDP provided the enabling environment for democracy to thrive. It never hindered or prevented opposition parties from operating. Everyone had access and the political space was free for all.
“For 16 uninterrupted years, the PDP discharged firmly and competently the popular mandate of governance of Nigeria through four unprecedented political transitions which included the first ever transition of power from a ruling political party to opposition party in our county.
“By this, the PDP ensured that after a largely fruitless search since independence, democracy as a form of government has come to stay as the norm.
“Today, whether the same scenario is available in our country is up to the citizenry to judge. Whether life is better now or then is however debatable.
“All the same, this is our country. Which ever side of the divide one finds him or herself, we must strive to play such roles honestly and patriotically in order to make our country a better place .”
He therefore urged governments at all levels to initiate policies and programmes that are in consonance with the wishes and aspirations of the people, pointing out that any programme or policy that tends to bring misery on the citizenry cannot be adjudged a good package.
Senator Mark also craves for an egalitarian society where every citizen irrespective of political, religious or ethnic leaning is free to pursue his or her legitimate ambition any where in the country without fear of molestation or intimidation.
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