FG Says Nigeria Embraces Democracy Despite Coups In Parts of ECOWAS Region

Ahead of the 63rd Independence Day, the federal government noted that Nigeria has embraced democracy despite coups in some parts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-region.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, briefed the media on Monday regarding the upcoming Independence Day celebration and said that Oct. 1 event will be low-key as no world leader has been invited.

Akume shared that the Presidential Broadcast to the nation will start at 7:00 a.m. and the next day there will be a military parade at the Presidential Villa, adding that this "celebration is particularly important at this time having witnessed an unbroken democratic record since 1999 as well as the seamless, successful and peaceful Presidential Transition programme from one government to another."

He added, "Despite political tremors and a wave of coups in some parts of the ECOWAS sub-region, Nigerians have fully embraced democracy with its core values and practices as the best form of governance," Tribune Online reported.

He went on to explain how the relationship between the people and government represents democracy, noting that the citizens support the government, and the government provides security, protects, and enhances their interests.

Akume acknowledged the hardship Nigerians are facing currently due to fuel subsidy removal, saying that the government is "fully aware of the economic challenges" alongside the impact of the global economic downturn.

He continued, "The government is working assiduously to provide the necessary palliatives so as to mitigate such challenges and also the provision of buses to ease hardship on transportation among others."

The senator further shared that the government is engaging not only with the laborers but also with the Nigerian workers and Nigerians in general to address their concerns.

The celebration activities include a World Press Conference on Sept. 26 at the National Press Center, Radio House Abuja at 11:00 a.m. Whereas, on Sept. 28 there will be an Anniversary Symposium/Public Lecture at the State House Conference Center at 10:00 a.m.

There will be a lecture on Sept. 29 at the National Mosque Conference Center around 10:00 a.m. while the Presidential Broadcast will happen on Oct. 1. On the same day, there will be an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Center at 10:00 a.m.

Military Parade will take place on Oct. 2 at the Presidential Villa at 9:00 a.m.

When the SGH was asked about the economic problem of Nigeria, he assured that President Bola Tinubu had taken a very sound decision at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that would lead to a massive improvement in the capital market.

"We have a new team at the CBN and a special investigator has been in the CBN for some time now and his result will soon be released and Nigerians will know what really went on and what brought us to where we are today," he added.