Former
president of the Senate, David Mark, has told Nigerians not to despair in the
face of the daunting economic and socio-political challenges but to remain
steadfast for democracy to endure.
In
a goodwill message to Nigerians marking this year’s democracy day, Mr. Mark
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 .
The
2016 democracy day, Mr. Mark said, was 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 said the foundation the Peoples Democratic Party
(PDP) administration put in place for 16 years guaranteed the atmosphere that
enabled an opposition party to win elections.
Mr.
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 country.
“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 said.
He
urged governments at all levels to initiate policies and programmes that are in
consonance with the wishes and aspirations of the people, saying that any
programme or policy that tends to bring misery on the citizenry cannot be
adjudged a good package.
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