Barau, govs, others hamper on democratic governance, nation building

By Jude Opara

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, as well as the governors of Kogi, Ondo and Yobe states have called on Nigerians to always work towards advancing Nigeria’s democracy and nation building.

They made the call in Abuja at the public unveiling of the book titled: An Odyssey Through the Media, Activism and Leadership written by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Durosinmi Meseko to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.

Speaking at the occasion, Barau said as a journalist and former member of the House of Representatives, Meseko had interacted with the entire country which positioned him for advancing democracy and progress of the country.

“I am not surprised because he is a former member of the House of Representatives. If you have served in that chamber, you interact with people from every part of the country.

“It is a mini-Nigeria and a true representation of the nation. You relate with everyone, and if you naturally have the disposition of being pan-Nigerian, it makes that relationship even stronger.

“I believe that even before he came to the National Assembly, he already possessed that disposition. He is well-travelled, broad-minded, and someone who is comfortable with everyone,” the deputy Senate President stated.

In their separate remarks, Govenrors Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo and Mai-Mala Buni of Yobe states as well as former Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello who were represented asked the celebrant to remain steadfast in his known attributes of a bridge builder, champion of democracy and national development.

Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) tasked the APC chieftain to remain committed to the ideals that distinguished him as a journalist, lawmaker and party administrator, adding that he has more to contribute to the progress of Nigeria.

“Let me take you back a little. About 30 years ago, when I served as the Military Administrator of Lagos State, Lagos was a city of extraordinary energy, extraordinary challenges and extraordinary people. It was in that crucible that I first came in contact with Durosinmi Meseko, a young man of character who was then the ThisDay correspondent covering the Lagos Governor’s Office at Alausa.

“From those early days in Lagos to the hallowed chambers of the National Assembly as a member of the House of Representatives, and now in the corridors of political service as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of our great party, the APC, Duro has remained consistent in one thing above all else: purpose, calmness, hard work, teamwork, loyalty and discipline.

“As you step into 60, I charge you not to slow down. The world still needs your voice. The party still needs your counsel. Nigeria still needs men of your calibre who combine intellectual depth with practical commitment,” he added.

In his remarks, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye asked the APC deputy spokesperson to keep the flag flying, describing as a “man of second chance,” praying to God to give others a second chance too.

In his remarks of appreciation, Meseko thanked Nigerians who came from all walks of life for coming to celebrate with him.

He promised to always uphold the values of truth and dedication to nation building, even as he urged Nigerians to come together for nation building for their sake and the benefit of the generations even unborn.