Democracy day: Kingibe urges Nigerians commitment to democratic tenets

Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP--FCT) has urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of democracy as it remains the best form of government.

Kingibe, whose victory in the Feb. 25 Senatorial election was affirmed by the Elections Petitions Court on Tuesday, made this call in a statement to mark International Democracy Day.

She said that in spite of the hiccups and challenges faced by the nation since its return to democracy, Nigeria has held together and fared better under civilian democratic rule than it did under authoritarian regimes.

“As we mark the International Day of Democracy, it is fitting that we celebrate the gains achieved by our adherence to the rule of law.

“Itis indubitable that we are not where we had expected to be when we commenced this democratic journey in 1999.

“However, we have certainly made progress in terms of greater respect for the rule of law, the dignity of the human person, and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“We must consolidate on these gains as we press for more commitment from everyone, including governments across all levels, for greater tolerance and acceptance of our ethnic and religious diversity,” she said.

According to Kingibe, it is an incontrovertible fact that the things that bind Nigerians together are far more resilient than the centrifugal forces threatening the country’s unity.

“If we stand firm together, we will defeat these forces, and only then can our nation fulfil its manifest destiny of being the voice of black people everywhere in the world.”

Kingibe assured residents of Abuja that her tenure as their representative would usher in an era of improved security, healthcare, peace, and the provision of social infrastructure in the Federal Capital.

She promised to hold the mandate given to her by FCT residents sacred and to fully discharge the mandate to their satisfaction.

She said she would work relentlessly with her colleagues in the National Assembly and members in the executive branch of government, to ensure qualitative improvement in the well-being of FCT residents .