Cleric, Traders Demand More Dividends Of Democracy

As Nigeria marked uninterrupted democracy since 1999, Nigerians have expressed the imperativeness of providing more dividends of the system by governments at all levels.

A crosssection of the citizens, including the President of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Aba, Pastor Bassey Udoh, said that President Goodluck Jonathan, some governors and ministers had been doing  their best.

The stakeholders, however, said that the politicians needed to do more in providing basic amenities in view of  the enormity of the resources.

“We can do better with our resources. We have come this far by fate, we have course to thank God. “Democracy is one of the best things that have happened to us. We have to do everything to sustain it,’’ Udoh said.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan for fixing the international airports in the country that had been an eye sore in the past and lauded the Minister of Labour, Chief Emeka Nwogu, for sustaining industrial harmony in the country.

Udoh expressed satisfaction with state governors in the area of infrastructure and youth empowerment, especially in the south-west.

“Some governors are struggling to do something as the people no longer vote for political parties but the potentialities of individual,’’ he said.

He, however, advised political parties and citizens to look at the efficiency, past records, competent and activities of every candidate for future elections.

“We should look out for those who are coming out for service, not office, for performance, not position and people not self-centred in our communities to give them our mandates,’’ Udoh said.

He said the transformation agenda of President Jonathan was splendid, stressing that he had shown good plans for the country.

“But a tree cannot make a forest; he needs the support of every Nigerian to succeed. “This is the first time in recent past we have seen road rehabilitation, but we can do more,’’ he said.

Udoh, however, said that security challenge was still a serious problem and no country could progress without peace, urging Nigerians to cooperate with government for its solution.

“We need peace, co-existence; dialogue remains the best option, respect for human dignity and whatsoever religion we practise, we should be doers. “Nigeria should be the best if every Nigerian puts into practice the tenets of their religion,’’ he said.