The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, says that despite the many military takeovers in West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria remains a shining example of a nation upholding the tenets of democracy for 26 unbroken years.
“At a period when many African countries are sliding back into military rule and dictatorship, Nigeria is powering forward in democratic rule,” Akume said at a Democracy Day Lecture at the State House in Abuja on Thursday as part of events to celebrate the 2025 Democracy Day.
“Even though we have not attained the democratic height envisioned, we are confident that our path is straight and would lead us to our desired destination,” he said at the event which has its theme as ‘Consolidating on the Gains of Nigeria’s Democracy: Necessity of Enduring Reforms’.
In the last five years, West and Central Africa have recorded over 10 coup attempts since the August 2020 military takeover in Mali.
Aside from Mali, military juntas have also replaced elected leaders in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic, and Gabon. Earlier in 2025, the trio of Mali, Niger Republic and Burkina Faso pulled out of regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Akume commended all heroes of democracy, both dead and alive, for their struggle for a new Nigeria.
“Today’s celebration would not have been possible but for the commitment and determination of ordinary Nigerian citizens who stood strong in the face of military oppression, brutality, and rights denial,” he said.
“The June 12 struggle was a watershed as millions of our countrymen and women poured out on the streets. From the towns and villages, the cries for democracy and just governance were a movement. That is the June 12 struggle. That movement gave birth to the new democratic regime.”
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According to him, Nigeria owes the heroes of democracy a debt of gratitude for having endured the brutality of military officers, the imprisonments, the humiliation, and even for paying the supreme price.
Source: Channels TV
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