WHAT DEMOCRACY SHOULD MEAN TO NIGERIA
A professional Democracy Day address reflecting the voice of true leadership in turbulent times, as delivered by Senator Natasha H. Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central.
OFFICE OF THE SENATOR REPRESENTING KOGI CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT
SENATOR NATASHA H. AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN
JUNE 12 DEMOCRACY DAY ADDRESS TO THE NATION
12TH JUNE, 2025
Fellow Nigerians,
Today, our nation stands before the mirror of history as we mark yet another Democracy Day; an occasion that calls not for empty celebration, but for deep national reflection. The date 12th June does not merely appear on the calendar as a public holiday. It represents a covenant borne of sacrifice, a reminder of our unfinished journey, and a solemn tribute to the spirit of a people who refused to surrender their will to tyranny.
More than three decades ago, millions of Nigerians, across ethnic, religious, and regional lines, voted in what remains one of the most credible elections ever conducted in our history. That election, though annulled by forces of authoritarianism, gave birth to a movement of resistance that reshaped our political trajectory and brought forth the fragile democracy we now seek to protect and deepen. The name of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, whose victory was denied but whose legacy endured, shall forever be inscribed in the conscience of this Republic as a symbol of hope, sacrifice, and justice.
This day, therefore, is not about speeches. It is not about ceremonies held in the comfort of government houses. It is about the millions of Nigerians whose lives must be the true measure of our democracy. It is about the young graduate unable to find work after years of study. It is about the mother forced to watch her children go to bed hungry. It is about the farmer driven off his land by violence. It is about the small business owner crushed under the weight of multiple taxes, and the civil servant whose pension has become a rumour. Until democracy begins to speak directly to their pain, we must admit, with courage and clarity, that we have a long way to go.
Democracy cannot be reduced to elections held every four years. It must translate to good governance that delivers infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, and economic dignity. It must reflect in the accountability of public office holders, the independence of the judiciary, the professionalism of our security agencies, and the deliberate inclusion of women and youth in all spheres of national life. A democracy that excludes the majority of its people from its benefits is not worthy of the name.
As a representative of the people of Kogi Central in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I remain deeply committed to the ideals that this day represents. I believe that leadership is not a privilege to be exploited but a burden of trust to be carried with integrity. I believe that the National Assembly must not only pass laws, but must also serve as the conscience of the nation. We must use our legislative powers to strengthen institutions, protect civil liberties, and elevate the quality of life for every Nigerian, regardless of region, faith, or background.
To the young people of this country, I say to you today: do not lose faith. The Nigeria we seek is not beyond reach. The road is hard, the sacrifices are many, but the dream is still alive. Your voice matters. Your ideas are valid. Your time will come. To the women of this country, I say to you: do not shrink your voice. Let no one make you feel invisible in the affairs of a nation you have carried on your back for generations. To all Nigerians, let us recommit ourselves to the values of peace, patriotism, service, and justice.
We must reject the politics of bitterness and embrace the politics of nation-building. We must not allow those who profit from our divisions to dictate the tone of our national discourse. We must learn to disagree without destroying one another. We must hold our leaders accountable, but also play our part as responsible citizens.
June 12 is not just a memory. It is a call to duty. It is a reminder that democracy must not only be defended, but must be delivered. Let us therefore rise above cynicism and work together to build a Nigeria where democracy is not a ceremony, but a lived experience in the daily life of every citizen.
On behalf of the good people of Kogi Central Senatorial District, and in honour of those who sacrificed their lives for the democratic freedoms we now enjoy, I reaffirm my unshakable commitment to the principles of transparency, equity, justice, and inclusive governance.
May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain. May our democracy grow stronger. May Nigeria fulfil its promise.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
SIGNED:
SENATOR NATASHA HADIZA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN
Senator Representing Kogi Central Senatorial District
12th June, 2025