Atiku Abubakar, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has blamed the All Progressives Congress, APC, for the country’s poverty and insecurity woes.
Recall that Nigeria had set aside June 12 of every year as a day to celebrate democratic system of government in the country.
But reacting to the 25 years of uninterrupted practice of democracy in Nigeria, Atiku bemoaned that many Nigerians live in poverty. This is even as the nation faces myriads of security challenges.
This was contained in a message the former Vice President sent to Nigerians on Tuesday. He said, in the past nine years of the APC administration has brought hardship on the people.
The message read in parts, “The past nine years has thrown up a regime of extreme hardship. Manifested in excruciating poverty and unprecedented levels of violence and insecurity upon our people.”
“Sadly, the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, is to blame for bringing forth this dawn of gloom.”
The PPD former flag bearer also criticized the opposition parties for failing to unite and form a coalition capable of unseating the ruling APC.
The former VP also took a swipe at the opposition parties for failing to present a governance plan that would gain the confidence of Nigerians.
“One of the secondary purposes of declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria is to commemorate the history of our prolonged journey toward becoming a stable democratic nation,” Atiku said.
The PDP Chieftain, however, asserted that there is no substitute for democracy as a form of government.
He said, “Whereas our current democratic dispensation is a quarter of a century old, it will not be out of place to pay tributes to the sacrifices made by many patriots. Chiefly among them Basorun MKO Abiola and his beloved wife, Alhaja (Mrs) Kudirat Abiola, Tafida Shehu Yar’Adua and Alfred Rewane, among many others.
“The historical timeline of the struggle that birthed this democracy is abundant with a series of coalitions and alliances amongst the political leaderships of that era. To flush away the vestiges of military and dictatorial governance in order to return power to the people.
“It is commendable that for 25 years, we have witnessed an uninterrupted season of electoral politics. And It is an unprecedented epoch in our history.
“It is worthy of celebration. And commendation must go to the people of our great country. I must also congratulate the political class. For having embraced the rectitude of nurturing a democracy, as well as the civil society. It is important that all stakeholders continue to do their bits. And to ensure the sustainability of our democracy,” Atiku stated.
source: Channels TV
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