Democracy Day: Turaki Praises Past Leaders, Cautions Politicians on Dirty Politicking

Democracy Day: Turaki Praises Past Leaders, Cautions Politicians on Dirty Politicking

On the occasion of the celebration of this year’s Democracy day,  I want to congratulate all Nigerians for witnessing yet another great day in the history of our country.

What we are celebrating today is a harvest of fruits,  the tree of which was planted by our leaders like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe,  Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa,  Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto,  the great sage,  Chief Obafemi Awolowo and their contemporaries; nurtured by great patriots like Alhaji Shehu Shagari,  Malam Aminu Kano, K O Mbadiwe, Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim,  Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, Chief Joseph Tarka, Chief Aper Aku, Papa Ajasin,  Chief Sam Mbakwe and their peers, and watered by the blood of people like Chief MKO Abiola, and other martyrs of democracy.

This tree was again looked after by our leaders like Presidents Obasanjo , Yaradua and Jonathan, who maintained that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian both in words and deeds.

It’s therefore very important that we do not forget the great sacrifices that have been made by these leaders in ensuring that we have a strong pedestal that seeks to protect not only our rights and freedoms,  but even our norms and democratic values and  cultures.

We must therefore stand up and ensure that our democracy is not endangered or put at great risk as a result of the action or in action of any person or group of persons that have come to reap where they have not sowed.

Nigeria can, and indeed will be great again with an honest, selfless, listening,  committed and focussed leadership that will treat us fairly and equally,  irrespective of our beliefs,  creed,  and/or the circumstances of our birth.

Happy Democracy Day Nigeria and best regards to our most resilient and ever patient  country men and women.

Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN
Danmasanin Gwandu
Former Minister of Special Duties