By Okon Okon/Sumaila Ogbaje
Some Nigerians on Wednesday expressed gratitude to God for the sustainable democracy in the country, being uninterrupted for 25 consecutive years.
They spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the way forward at the Eagle Square in Abuja, the venue of the anniversary 2024 Democracy Day.
They urged the citizens to remain patient and continue to seek the face of God to turn things around for good in the country.
They, however, said Nigeria was growing democratically among other nations of the world.
Mrs Sandra Anani, said she was delighted over uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, adding that for the country to continuously mark such events from 1999 till date it was worth celebrating colourfully.
“We can’t go backward in spite of all odds the country and the citizens are facing. Our solution lies in the hand of God, hence the need to seek the Almighty and remain patient for advancement.
“And I believe that we are moving forward in spite of what we are going through in the country, ” she said.
Anani, however, used the occasion to further appeal to President Bola Tinubu to reconsider the plight of Nigerians as the labour leaders were still negotiating for the new minimum wage.
She said that 80 per cent of Nigerian families were well represented in the civil service, hence, ”the need to treat the workers well as it will go a long way to reflect in the life of other people.
“When the government talks about fighting poverty, except you are a selfish human being, if you receive better pay, you will think of others too.
“I am convinced that if the workers are treated well, it will remain historic in Tinubu’s time.
”So, I am appealing that as we are celebrating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the president should also use it to put a smile on the face of Nigerians, ” she appealed.
Mr Ajunga Elijah, another participant, said it was a thing of joy for Nigeria, among other countries of the world, to witness such a great day.
He said, “It is a great day in the history of Nigeria to mark 25 years of uninterrupted democracy. “
Nevertheless, Elijah said the citizens were celebrating with deep feelings of hardship in the land, adding that Nigerians would appreciate it if the Federal Government could use the period of the celebration to pay a reasonable minimum wage.
“I feel deeply within me that this is such a period that the Nigerian government could use to appreciate its citizens for standing by to endure the suffering in the country.
“Let the government use this period to reduce the burden of hardship in Nigeria particularly, to resolve the issues of the minimum wage so that there will be money in circulation and Nigerians would be happy to enjoy the 25 years of democracy, ” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Faith Johnson, in her contributions, said marking 25 years of uninterrupted democracy was a thing of excitement for all Nigerians.
“This is a time for the Nigerian government to show love to its citizens, especially at this time the workers are looking forward to a new minimum wage, ” she said.
NAN reports that the theme for the celebration is: ’25 years of Enduring Democracy: Prospects for the Future.’
NAN also reports that Tinubu used the occasion to unveil the world’s largest painting portrait of his image at the Eagle Square. (NAN)
