Remain Committed to Tenets of Democracy, Senator Kingibe Urges Nigerians

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on the platform of Labour Party (LP), has urged Nigerians to remain committed to the ideals of democracy as it remained the best form of government.

Senator Kingibe, whose victory in the February 25, 2023 Senatorial election was affirmed by the Elections Petitions Court on Tuesday, made this call in a statement issued to mark the International Democracy Day.

She noted that despite the hiccups and the challenges faced by the nation since its return to democracy, Nigeria has held together and fared better under civilian democratic rule than it did under authoritarian regimes.

According to her, “As we mark the International Day of Democracy, it is fitting that we celebrate the gains achieved by our adherence to the rule of law. While it is indubitable that we are not where we had expected to be when we commenced this democratic journey in 1999, we have certainly made progress in terms of greater respect for the rule of law, the dignity of the human person, and the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“We must consolidate on these gains as we press for more commitment from everyone including governments across all levels, for greater tolerance and acceptance of our ethnic and religious diversity. It is an incontrovertible fact that the things that bind us together as a people are far more resilient than the centrifugal forces threatening our unity. 

“If we stand firm and together, we will defeat these forces, and only then can our nation fulfill its manifest destiny of being the voice of black peoples everywhere in the world,” Kingibe said.

Re-iterating a promise she made on Wednesday during a press conference to mark the affirmation of her victory at the February 2023 polls, Kingibe assured residents of Abuja that her tenure as their representative will usher in an era of improved security, healthcare, peace as well as provision of social infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory.

“I hold the mandate you have given to me sacred. I intend to fully discharge this mandate to your satisfaction as I will work relentlessly with my colleagues in the National Assembly and members in the executive branch of government, to ensure qualitative improvement in the well-being of residents of this our city,” Kingibe stated.