Democracy Day: Have Faith in Greater Future, Gbagi Urges Nigerians

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Nigerians have been advised to remain optimistic that a better future lies ahead of the country despite the seeming daunting challenges confronting the  nation today.

Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Delta State and former Minister of State for Education, Chief  Kenneth Gbagi, gave the advice in his goodwill message  on the occasion of the  country’s Democracy Day yesterday.

According to him,   nation has abundant promises for the citizens, adding that Nigeria and Delta State in particular  have what it takes to overcome today’s threats and trials.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the citizens to re-dedicate themselves to the virtues of equity, justice, and tolerance and strive to give their best for the good of the nation.

He described Democracy Day as a day to mark the civilian administration and unity of Nigeria that provides an opportunity to reflect on the country’s progress and its humble attainments and ponder over those dreams yet to be fulfilled.

The former Chairman, Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for reviewing Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 to honour the late M.K.O. Abiola and other Nigerians who paid the supreme sacrifice to berth a new Nigeria, as well as the posthumous award of the highest National Honour to Abiola.

The SDP gubernatorial candidate recalled that M.K.O. Abiola ran for the presidency in 1993 election  which then-military president Ibrahim Babangida annulled.

Abiola was awarded the National honour Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), an honour awarded to only Nigerian heads of state, posthumously on 6 June 2018 by President Muhammadu Buhari, and Nigeria’s democracy day was changed to June 12.

However, Gbagi called on his teeming supporters and party faithful to  use the day reflect on the future of democracy, urging the people to have faith in the tribunal to deliver judgement in his favour and the SDP.

“I join all citizens to celebrate Democracy Day of our great nation, Nigeria. As we mark this day, it allows us to reflect on our progress, celebrate our humble attainments and ponder over those dreams that are yet to be fulfilled.

“We may have hiccups along the way and challenging times that might be stretching our resolve and determination to forge ahead. But we should not relent nor succumb to fear, discouraging trials and threats of today.

“We will never lose hope in our country and in our indomitable spirit and capacity to overcome difficult times, seize the moment and conquer.

“Be positive with our case at the tribunal. We have a very good case, is for the tribunal to do what they need to do at the appropriate time”, Gbagi said.