A Federal Lawmaker representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency II, Hon Femi Bamisile, has urged political leaders to make the citizens their priority towards maintaining the standards of democracy.
The Chairman, House Committee on Delegated Legislation, stated these in a congratulatory statement on Tuesday, to commemorate Democracy Day slated for June 12.
Bamisile also enjoined them to honour heroes he described as “Martyrs of Democracy” and offer requisite support for their families.
He urged Nigerians to shun politics of tokenism and hold their leaders accountable to preserve and sustain the country’s democratic rule.
The lawmaker said democracy can only be profitable and effective if Nigerians begin to rate their leaders from a broader prism of concrete delivery of promises made to them during electioneering.
His words, “Let me congratulate Nigerians, particularly the Ekiti State citizens on the June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
“Though, we might not have got to the promised land, but we should be elated and thankful that we have a government that recognises our voices collectively or individually.
“The fact that we have enjoyed democracy for a time spanning 25 years stretch under this dispensation worth celebrating. Gone were the days when we were under the burden of military claws, when our voices were subjugated by military junta.
“We must be circumspect of our actions as a people. Our actions and inactions can sabotage the gains of democracy, and that is why we must begin to hold our leaders accountable. We must rate them based on concrete evidence of delivery.
“We shouldn’t allow ethnic and religious bonds as well as partisan interests becloud our reasoning. Leaders who are delivering must be praised, while those endangering democracy must be rejected. These are the ways we can make this democracy flourish and profitable for all citizens.
“Under this context, those holding positions of authorities in trust for the people must prioritise the interests of the governed, so that occasional call for military usurpation can be suppressed permanently”.
