Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that democracy remains the most effective system of government for Nigeria, stressing that the nation’s diversity in ethnicity, religion, and culture can only be effectively managed through democratic governance that promotes inclusion, accountability, and national development.
Key Highlights
Governor Fubara describes democracy as Nigeria’s strongest path to unity and prosperity.
Rivers governor pays tribute to MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and other democracy heroes.
Calls on Nigerians to embrace accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.
Commends President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Urges citizens to renew commitment to national unity and democratic values.
Reaffirms Rivers State’s support for Federal Government development initiatives.
Says Nigeria’s diversity should be harnessed as a source of strength.
In a goodwill message issued ahead of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Fubara said June 12 represents far more than a historic date, describing it as a symbol of the sacrifices, resilience, and aspirations of Nigerians in their quest for freedom, justice, and representative governance.
The governor extended his felicitations to Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora while paying tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat Abiola, and other patriots whose sacrifices contributed to the restoration and sustenance of democratic governance in the country.
According to Fubara, the significance of June 12 lies in the courage and commitment demonstrated by those who fought for democracy.
“June 12 is a reminder of the price paid for the democracy we enjoy today. The sacrifices made by Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, and many other patriots laid the foundation for the democratic journey we continue to enjoy today,” he stated.
Governor Fubara noted that despite challenges and setbacks, Nigeria’s democratic journey has continued to evolve over the past 33 years since the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election.
He emphasized that democracy remains the best system for managing Nigeria’s diverse social, ethnic, and religious landscape.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should not be viewed as a weakness but as a valuable national asset capable of driving development and unity when properly harnessed.
“Nigeria’s diversity should never be seen as a weakness. Properly harnessed, it is our greatest asset. Democracy offers us the opportunity to build consensus, promote inclusion, strengthen national unity, and create the conditions for sustainable development and shared prosperity,” he said.
The Rivers State governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda and ongoing efforts aimed at economic revitalisation, security enhancement, and the strengthening of democratic institutions.
Fubara reaffirmed the readiness of Rivers State to continue collaborating with the Federal Government in implementing policies and programmes designed to improve the welfare of citizens.
He highlighted critical areas of partnership, including infrastructure development, job creation, healthcare delivery, quality education, security enhancement, and good governance.
Governor Fubara urged Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, ethnic background, or religious belief, to use the Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to recommit themselves to the ideals of nation-building and democratic governance.
He stressed that democracy should not be viewed solely as an electoral process but as a daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, and respect for the rule of law.
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“Democracy must not be viewed merely as a periodic electoral exercise. It must be reflected in our daily commitment to accountability, transparency, tolerance, justice, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership,” he said.
Expressing confidence in Nigeria’s future, Governor Fubara called on citizens to remain united, hopeful, and committed to peace, dialogue, and national development.
He maintained that with collective effort and responsible leadership, Nigeria can build a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to national progress.
