Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has called on the youth to actively participate in Nigeria’s political development and future, rather than seeing themselves as spectators.
Uzodimma made the call at the Democracy Day lecture organised in commemoration of June 12 in Abuja on Thursday.
He said democracy does not rely on institutions alone—but requires the active participation of citizens — people who will vote, ask questions, and write and engage.
“Young Nigerians must see themselves as part of this system. They must see themselves as participants, not mere spectators. You inherited the right earned in 1993.
“You must also inherit the responsibilities they are there. Change comes from active participation, not docility. There is also the matter of political will,” he said.
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According to him, no constitution or system, no matter how perfect, can enforce itself or resist manipulation without principled actors.
The governor said, “At critical moments, leaders must choose a direction. Not every choice will be popular, but it must always be defensible in terms of public interest and national stability.
“We have had that kind of leadership now. We have this leadership under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, one that understands the difference between strength and stubbornness, one that can hold institutions accountable without weakening them, one that listens, not just reacts, one that is answerable to the people.
“That is the spirit behind the renewed hope agenda. The removal of full subsidies, though challenging, has opened up competition in the downstream sector, helping to stabilise prices and redirect public funds towards infrastructure and education.”
Uzodimma, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund was expanding access to higher education, ensuring that no willing student was denied the opportunity due to poverty.
He said, “These efforts are the signs of a government serious about translating governance into the outcomes where progress can be seen, felt, and sustained. As we commemorate June 12, let us not reduce it to mere history.
“Today, the road ahead requires commitment. Institutions must be built to survive transitions. Political actors must agree on basic rules. The press must remain independent.
“The courts must act without fear, and citizens must stay involved beyond election day. This is how democracy becomes routine, not in ceremony, but in culture, not in grand declarations, but in consistent practice.”
The governor further said that June 12 earned its place in Nigeria’s political history when Nigerians chose who should lead them.
“It represents a point in our national journey when the people made a clear choice and the system responded in disagreement.
“In recognising June 12, the APC-led government did more than declare a public holiday. It corrected the record. It restored the name of Chief MKO Abiola to its rightful place in our political and democratic history,” he said.
Source: Channels TV
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