By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan.
A former Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Umar Ghali Umar Na’aba has stressed the need for Nigerians to defend democratic values and principles to ensure that the nation’s democracy thrives.
Hon Na’aba stated this in Ibadan at the launch of a book, ‘Of Rusts and Gold (Snippets of History)’ written by a former member representing Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Kehinde.
The former Speaker stressed that there is the need for every Nigerian to jealously guide the nation’s growing democracy,saying,decision making on all issues must not be left alone for the political office holders to decide, hence, citizens who gave the mandate to the office holders must work to guide the democratic principles by actively participate when necessary.
“Time has come for everybody to participate in democracy, the fact is the fact not all will be in the positions. Therefore I will appeal to everybody to ensure that we set our eyes on what goes on in politics and democracy,” he said.
Honourable Naaba emphasized that there was no basis for Nigerian to distance themselves from politics and stop being apolitical, adding “the time has come to participate in politics not because as politicians but because Nigerians have accepted to embrace democracy”.
According to the former Speaker, the current trend in the country require the intervention of all and sundry which must not be left in the hands of those in the positions of authority,saying,”the essence of democracy is to ensure good governance for the economic and social development. It is not a matter of whether you are rich but is a matter of the fact that we are members of the society.
He then urged Nigerians irrespective of their status or creed to participate directly or indirectly in politics saying though it is not possible for everybody to be in the positions of authority at the same time, those who are not in power should keep themselves abreast on the trends in the political arena.
“For Nigerians to truly benefit from the current political dispensation, ensure lasting legacies for democracy to positively impacted on the lives of Nigerian, all stakeholders must set their eyes in defending democratic values and principles to thrive”.
Speaking further, Hon Naaba commended the Federal Government for the re-introduction of history as a subject in the school curriculum saying,
the full implementation of the policy by taking congnisance the position of history in development of any nation.
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi while speaking described history as a subject which must be held in high esteem and that the book was a reference material for students at all levels as a good research literature which should be embraced by lovers of history.
Reviewing the 249-page book, the immediate past Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Media and Publicity, Dr. Festus Adedayo said the book would serve as a tool that connects yesterday and today due to its rich facts and lessons.
