1001+ Voices Initiative for People Empowerment (1001+ Voices), a non-governmental organization, in a statement released to the Press in Uyo, Nigeria, to mark the nation’s 19th celebration of Democracy Day lauded Nigerians for showing faith and tenacity in sustaining the consolidation of democracy in the country since the return to civilian rule from military autocracy in May 1999, ending multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966.
Obong Ide Owodiong-Idemeko, a representative of the group, congratulated the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel for aligning with the democratic aspirations of Nigerians to establish and run a government that guarantees and protects the interest of the people.
The group also commended the governor for his ardent vision and unwavering dedication to get the State on the right and sustainable path to economic growth and political stability.
The group further extolled Governor Emmanuel and his team for delivering on some of his campaign promises, especially in the area of industrialization, agriculture, infrastructure development, improved power delivery and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions among others.
1001+ Voices enjoined the people of Akwa Ibom to gear up to their constitutional role of voting in conscientious, dedicated and people-focused candidates with visible performance track-record like Governor Emmanuel for the 2019 general elections at all levels.
The group called on the electorate to push for the political class to respect the principle of zoning of electoral offices as established years ago by our political fathers in order to engender and sustain the spirit of inclusiveness, mutual co-existence and collective well-being that has been the hallmark of democratic practice in Akwa Ibom State.
1001+ Voices, while wishing the people of Akwa Ibom a happy Democracy Day celebration, regretted the looming ominous signs which if not contained could spell doom for the nation’s fledgling democracy.
The group condemned the recent spate of what it termed, mindless killings in some parts of the country especially attacks on Christians, religious leaders, pastoralists and other innocent Nigerians, and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to reassure Nigerians that his government is capable of protecting them from these attacks.
The group urged the government to take urgent steps to address the problems of insurgency, insecurity, executive impunity and lack of tolerance for criticism that are capable of derailing our democratic journey.
The group implored the government to consider the plight of the ordinary Nigerian and to stop paying lip-service to the urgent need to improve the human development index of Nigerians by investing in the economy, education, health, agriculture, job generation and infrastructure development.
