The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council congratulates Nigerian people as they mark the maiden Democracy Day in the country.
The Union sincerely commends President Muhammadu Buhari for approving June 12 as democracy Day in commemoration of the annulled 1993 presidential election which had been adjudged the freest and most credible in the history of Nigeria.
We recall with nostalgia the unrelenting and gallantry role of the media in the days of the military junta. The legendary effort of the media at pushing the military out of the stage after that sad historic event of June 12, 1993, will, continue to reechoe on the sand of time.
We hereby unequivocally affirm that the issues that had arisen since we became a democratic nation, have left much to be desired among the leadership of our dear nation.
Rather than celebrate true tenets of democratic principles, where justice, equity, fairness and all inclusive governance reigns, our leaders have decided to take the ignoble path of corruption, acquisition of wealth, nepotism, injustice, inequality in the distribution of dividend of democracy and other vices inimical to a healthy nation.
It is unfortunate that those who massively benefitted from the struggle of the media and civil society organisations are the same people (politicians) who are the clogs in the wheel of our national progress.
The bane of our democracy has been the political class who have continually sown seed of discord among the unsuspecting public to keep us divided while they scavenge on our common patrimony.
For us to celebrate as a true democratic nation and for democracy to survive in Nigeria, we must embrace collective bargaining where every region of this country must have equal stake in whatever we do as a people. There truly must be corresponding responsibility between the leaders and followers.
The media remains the only man standing in the defense of our democracy and development. Therefore, we charge the media to continue to play her watchdog role in holding government accountable.
We call on all and sundry to respect democratic tenets in the interest of good governance, economic growth and political development.
We should endeavour to respect and uphold all that June 12 stands for, knowing that it is a day that has come to remain in our history.
Signed:
Comrade Michael Ikeogwu,
NUJ Chairman,
Delta State Council.
Comrade Patrick Ochei,
NUJ Secretary,
Delta State Council.
