The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council has said that Nigerian leaders are yet to practice true tenets of democratic principles, as it congratulates Nigerian people for their doggedness in the face of misrule.
NUJ Delta State Council made the obsertion in a statement to commemorate democracy day, signed by Comrade Michael Ikeogwu and Comrade Patrick Ochei, Chairman and Secretary, respectively.
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.
According to the statement, “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 and other vices inimical to a healthy nation.”
The statement added that it was unfortunate that those who massively benefitted from the struggle of the media and civil society organisations were the same people (politicians) who are the clogs in the wheel of our national progress.
“The bane of our Democracy have been the political class who have continually sown seed of discord among the unsuspecting public to keep us divided while they scavage 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.”
While commending the media for remain steadfast in the face of obvious censorship and clamp down or practitioners and media organisations, NUJ Delta State Council reiterated that 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.
