A group of concerned youths in Katsina State, Muryar Talakawa Awareness Initiative has described the 25 years of uninterrupted democracy as far better than any military rule.
Mr Bishir Dauda, the Secretary of the group disclosed this to the Newsmen in Katsina on Wednesday.
According to him, the group as a non-profit and non-partisan organization, uses this occasion to congratulate all patriotic Nigerians on this historic achievement.
“Nigerians are more empowered under democracy. For instance, the power to vote and be voted for, is the most important takeaway of Nigerians from democracy.
“Within these 25-years, common people who have no royal blood in their veins, including, commercial motorcyclists, artisans, laborers, among others have vied for elective offices and won.
“This goes contrary to other authoritarian systems such as military rule, monarchy, and communism among other systems. Today, Nigerians have acquired more voice,” Dauda said.
He further pointed out that the right to freedom of expression and association of Nigerians was more guaranteed under democracy.
Dauda added that at different times, Nigerians have leveraged this right to secure concessions from the government.
“These include reversal of unpopular policies, enactment and implementation of impactful policies and programmes, among others.
“Thus no matter how precarious Nigerian democracy is, human rights are better guaranteed today than when Nigeria was under military oligarchy.
“Today, the advocacy and conversation around women rights, inclusion of persons with disabilities and youth in Nigeria are yielding positive results,” he added.
Moreover, Dauda said that Nigerians were now experiencing relative political stability, because of the salient components of democracy.
This includes periodic election and fixed tenure for office holders, which further promoted seamless transition.
“We are calling on all Nigerians to shun the campaign against democracy being embarked upon by a former military head of state. It is a ruse and diversionary.
“The worst Democracy is better than the best military regime” or any totalitarian system in disguise,” Dauda said.
