The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, has appealed to the Federal Government to immortalise all Nigerians that played active role in the struggle for the return of democratic rule in 1999.
The appeal is contained in Mr Udeze’s Democracy Day message to Nigerians, issued in Awka by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Madu, on Friday.
He said that it was the outcome of the commitment of the pro-democracy activists that the country celebrates every June 12.
According to him, those are heroes of democracy, especially the departed ones.
He said that Nigeria and Nigerians should continue to pay tribute to them – dead or alive.
The speaker also urged Nigerians to continue to nurture and enforce democratic principles and values in order to sustain the nation’s democracy.
He advised Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the principles that sustain equity, inclusiveness, unity and growth for democracy to continue to thrive.
He stated that with total adherence to the rule of law, Nigeria would be positively positioned in the comity of nations, provide peace, unity and nation’s development.
He noted that democracy is strengthened “not by the creation of political offices and appointments, but by positive result in services, programmes and projects that meaningfully impact the lives of the people.”
The speaker explained that “democracy is not given but earned through the courage of citizens towards ensuring justice and fairness and their resilience to achieving huge democratic dividend for the people.”
He commended Governor Charles Soludo for upholding and advancing democracy in Anambra State by impacting all sectors of life, simultaneously.
He also thanked the governor for running an all inclusive government, where children, youths and aged ones are given the opportunity to participate in the affairs concerning them.
Mr Udeze further commended the governor’s efforts in ensuring peace, unity, prosperity and overall development of the state.
He called on government at all levels to always work towards the general wellbeing of the masses through their developmental programmes and policies.