Fayemi schools Nigerian politicians on true meaning of democracy
*As Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi, others gather to discuss future of country's democracy in Abuja
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
He stated this at the sideline of a conference on strengthening democracy held in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital, where former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, spoke on Tuesday noting that All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians in government, who he called ‘illiterates in politics ‘, have abandoned the ideals of the party.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has described democracy as not just a system but also a promise of freedom, accountability and government that truly serves the people.
He stated this at the sideline of a conference on strengthening democracy held in Abuja, the Nigeria’s capital, where former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, spoke on Tuesday noting that All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians in government, who he called ‘illiterates in politics ‘, have abandoned the ideals of the party.
At the event also well attended by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and many notable others, Dr. Fayemi, in a statement later posted Wednesday January 29, 2025 on his verified Facebook social media network page, said:
“Democracy is more than just a system; it is a promise. A promise of freedom, accountability, and a government that truly serves its people. This is the ideal we fought for during the pro-democracy movement and it remains as urgent today as ever.
“Yesterday (Tuesday), at the National Conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria, I joined a gathering of distinguished scholars, policymakers, and governance experts to examine how we can fortify this promise and ensure that democracy delivers on its most fundamental obligations.
“With the theme “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathways to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” the discussions were both timely and essential.
“They reinforced a critical truth: Nigeria’s democratic future depends on the strength of our institutions, the integrity of our leaders, and the active participation of our citizens.
“Governance must be rooted in transparency, inclusion, and service, ensuring that democracy evolves from an idea into a lived reality for all Nigerians.
“I commend my colleagues in CDD, Centre LSD, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, National Peace Committee and PAACP for organising this important conversation and for their continued dedication to deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.
“The road ahead demands courage, vision, and a steadfast commitment to the ideals of democracy, but together, we can build a system that truly serves the people,” the former Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals said.
