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MINNA – The former Governor of Niger state, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Democracy Day to reflect on the sacrifices made by Nigeria’s founding fathers and recommit themselves to the ideals of; justice, unity, equity, good governance, and national development.
Former Governor Aliyu in a statement to mark the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, reminded Nigerians that June 12 serves not only as a day to mark democratic rule but also as a reminder of responsibilities placed upon both leaders and citizens to safeguard the values upon which the nation was built.
Babangida Aliyu who paid glowing tribute to great nationalists and statesmen like; Sir. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo who dedicated their lives to building a united and prosperous Nigeria.
... independence leaders whose vision of selfless leadership, education, peaceful coexistence, and service to humanity have continued to inspire generations of Nigerians, he said put national interests above that of their individual personal gains.
He recalled that, “The sacrifices made by Sir Ahmadu Bello and many other patriots were not merely for political independence but for the creation of a nation founded on justice, equity, opportunity, and collective progress for all citizenry.
“Democracy must be measured not only by the conduct of elections but by the extent to which it improves the lives of ordinary citizens. Our founding fathers envisioned a Nigeria where leadership would be guided by integrity, accountability, and genuine concern for the welfare of the citizenry.”
While lamenting so much deviations from the legacies of Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello and Awolowo, former Governor Aliyu said the current generation of leaders has moral obligations to preserve and strengthen democratic institutions while pursuing policies that address unemployment, poverty, insecurity, and social inequality.
Again, Nigerian youths he argued should study the lives and legacies of the nation’s founding fathers, draw lessons from their patriotism, discipline, and commitments towards national service.
Despite existing challenges, Nigeria, Babangida Aliyu emphasized possesses all the human and natural resources required to achieve greatness if leaders and the led remain united in purpose and committed to democratic principles.
As the nation marks yet another Democracy Day, the former Governor called for renewed faith in Nigeria and greater commitments to building a country that reflects the dreams and aspirations of those who sacrificed for its unity and progress.
While wishing all Nigerians a happy democracy day celebration, Babangida Aliyu prayed for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across all the tribes and regions of the country.