Unity Forum urges all stakeholders to defend democracy

By Sumaiya Musa

The nation’s hard-earned democracy must succeed despite seeming challenges, and stakeholders in the democratic project have accordingly been called upon to commit energies in the protection of governance structures in the country.
The Unity Forum, a group of elders committed to the peace and unity of the country, made this position known yesterday in a statement signed by its chairman, Alhaji Maigida Musa Abdu.
The Forum said The National Assembly should close ranks more with the executive arm of government to evolve a harmonious working relationship that will consolidate on the gains of democracy. It also urged the executive to engage other stakeholders more closely in a constructive dialogue towards the achievement of democratic common goals.
“Since 1999 when democracy returned to the country, there has been steady improvement which must be sustained. We are glad that the electoral process is being sanitized with stronger electoral laws, and this shows the commitment of the legislature and the executive to work together to bring about better democratic culture. We commend them and urge them to collaborate even more in the interest of Nigeria.
“We also call on leaders at all levels to eschew bitterness and embrace peace and unity to be able to work in harmony to take Nigeria higher among the comity of nations,” the Forum said.
It added that the founding fathers of the country will not be pleased with leaders who are unable, or unwilling to make sacrifices that will place the country on the path of sustainable growth and development.
“We are better together as a nation of diversities but with one common future. We must build a nation that our children will be proud to inherit. Not a nation that is characterized by bigotry, division and sentiments,” the Forum said in the statement.