Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reaffirmed that democracy remains Nigeria’s most viable system of government, describing it as the strongest framework for managing the country’s diversity and advancing national unity, progress and prosperity.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Fubara said June 12 represents more than a date in the nation’s history, noting that it embodies the sacrifices, struggles and aspirations of Nigerians for freedom, justice and representative governance.
The governor extended felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora, while paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle, particularly the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and other patriots whose sacrifices paved the way for the democratic freedoms enjoyed today.
“June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today.
The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola and many other patriots laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy. Their commitment to the principle that power must ultimately reside with the people remains a source of inspiration for every generation of Nigerians,” he said.
Fubara observed that although Nigeria’s democratic journey has faced challenges and setbacks since the annulment of the June 12 election 33 years ago, the country has continued to make progress through the resilience of its institutions and citizens.
“Our democratic journey has not been without difficulties, but the resilience of our institutions and the determination of our people have kept the nation moving forward.
The ability to express differing opinions, engage in constructive debate and peacefully choose leaders through the ballot remains one of the greatest achievements of our nation,” he stated.
The governor stressed that democracy offers the best mechanism for harnessing Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity for national development.
According to him, “Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity.”
Fubara also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pursuing policies under the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at economic revitalisation, improved security and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
He reiterated Rivers State Government’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government in implementing programmes that improve citizens’ welfare through infrastructure development, job creation, enhanced security, quality education, healthcare delivery and good governance.
The governor further urged Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliation, ethnicity or religious background, to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to recommit themselves to the ideals of nation-building and democratic governance.
“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise.
It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law and responsible leadership. As citizens and leaders, we all share a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and build a nation that future generations will be proud to inherit,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Fubara called on Nigerians to remain united and committed to peace, dialogue and national development.
“Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive and more prosperous Nigeria where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress,” he added.
