Task Nigerians against voter apathy
By: Aminah Salako – Adekunle
The Chairman and Pro – Chancellor, Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun, FUHSI, Prof. Wale Sulaiman has celebrated the resilience of Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule.
In a message personally signed to commemorate today’s Democracy Day, Prof. Sulaiman maintained that June 12 is more than a date, but a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made for the voice of the people to be heard, respected, and enshrined in the governance of our great nation, which represents hope in the face of adversity, courage against injustice, and our collective determination to shape the future through the ballot and not the barrel.
” Since the return to civilian rule, we have witnessed peaceful transitions of power, rising civic engagement, and a growing commitment to governance that reflects the will of the people. These are no small feats, and they speak volumes about our enduring belief in democratic ideals.
“Yet, we must also acknowledge our imperfections. As a developing nation, we continue to grapple with economic challenges, insecurity, inequality, and political disillusionment. But these challenges are not a reason to retreat, they are a call to action. A reminder that democracy is not a finished product but a continuous work of collective responsibility and national vision.
“As a citizen, I am a witness to how giving access to good education and healthcare as well as economic empowerment of the citizenry enables them to actively partake in the democratic process.”, he said
The President RNZ Foundation stated that every Nigerian, especially the youth need to embrace the democratic process not just as voters, but as active citizens.
“We must fight against voter apathy. The strength of any democracy lies in the participation of its people. When you vote, you give yourself a voice. When you hold leaders accountable, you preserve the soul of democracy”, the renowned Neurosurgeon advised.
He tasked Nigerians to rise beyond cynicism and choose hope over fear, unity over division, as well as action over silence.
