Celebration of this year’ s Democracy Day in Sokoto is without the usual fanfare as residents went about their normal activities, reports the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
NAN Correspondent monitoring activities in the state, also reports that no activities were organised by the authorities to mark the day as had been the case in the past.
However, residents interviewed in connection with the occasion called for commitment of government in providing dividends of democracy instead of giving priority to ceremonies while marking the day.
One of such residents, Malam Abunakar Mailato, said uplifting the living condition of people required planning ahead and absolute determination to attain set goals.
“There is the need for those at the helm of affairs to be pro-active and determined to attain set goals, just as they struggle to surmount challenges that will come their ways,” he said.
Mailato, who is a youth leader,said although progress had been made in the struggle to ensure a sustained democracy in the country, there was still room for improvement.
Another resident, Sidi Muhammad, emphasised the need to strengthen the justice system to ensure respect for rule of law that would guarantee equity and peace.
Muhammad urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of constructive criticisms in their efforts at correcting the lapses of leaders, rather than deliberately ‘hunting for faults to win political goals.’
On her part, Mrs A’ishatu Musa called for consideration for women in the allocation of responsibilities to enable them contribute their quota to the development of the country.
She also stressed the need for socio- economic empowerment of women, as well as the speedy domestication and implementation of the Child Rights Act in some states.
Other residents who spoke to NAN also called for concerted efforts to sustain the unity of the country, especially considering the urgent challenges bedeviling the nation . (NAN)
