As Nigerians commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day, a former member of the House of Representatives and Sponsor of the Climate Change Act Rt Hon Sam Onuigbo says the day remains a tribute to courage, sacrifice, and the enduring belief that the destiny of a nation must always rest in the hands of its citizens.
In his message to mark the Day, Rt Hon Onuigbo pointed out that It also represents the triumph of democratic aspiration over political uncertainty.
The former National Assembly member while recognizing sacrifices of the heroes of the current democratic dispensation noted thst their sacrifices continue to remind us that democracy is not merely a system of government, but a covenant of responsibility between a nation and its people.
“As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, we are called not merely to observe a national holiday, but to reflect upon one of the most defining chapters in our collective history. This day stands as a solemn reminder that democracy in Nigeria was neither donated nor inherited, it was earned through supreme sacrifice, sustained by resilience, and secured by the determination of millions who believed that the will of the people must remain greater than the ambitions of power.
“The significance of June 12 extends beyond a date on our national calendar. It represents the triumph of democratic aspiration over political uncertainty. It recalls a period when the voice of the people sought expression and encountered resistance, yet ultimately prevailed through the enduring force of conviction. Democracy Day therefore remains a tribute to courage, to sacrifice, and to the enduring belief that the destiny of a nation must always rest in the hands of its citizens.
“Today, as I reflect on our democratic journey, I do so with profound respect for those who bore the burden of history so that future generations might inherit the privilege of choice, participation, and representation. Their sacrifices continue to remind us that democracy is not merely a system of government, it is a covenant of responsibility between a nation and its people,” he noted.
The former House of Reps member therefore called on all to recommit themselves to the ideals that brought us this far by approaching the future with the confidence of a people who understand both the weight of their history and the magnitude of their potential.
While observing that Nigeria is a nation whose voice, influence, talent, and possibilities command attention across continents, Rt Hon Onuigbo pointed out that the country’s democratic stability is not only a national asset, but also a statement about who Nigerians are and what they are capable of becoming.
“The world in which we now live is increasingly defined by the strength of institutions, the quality of leadership, and the capacity of nations to inspire confidence beyond their borders. In this unfolding global era, Nigeria occupies a position of immense consequence. We are not a peripheral nation observing the future from a distance.
“We are a nation whose voice, influence, talent, and possibilities command attention across continents. Our democratic stability is therefore not only a national asset, it is a statement about who we are and what we are capable of becoming.
“Yet democracy must never be mistaken for arrival. It is a continuous pursuit of justice, accountability, inclusion, and national purpose. Its true measure is found not only in elections but in the everyday dignity of citizens, the integrity of institutions, and the confidence with which a people confront the challenges of their time. The task before us is to deepen our democratic culture, strengthen our national cohesion, and ensure that the promise of our democracy translates into meaningful progress for all Nigerians,” he wrote.
Hon further expressed confidence that despite the complexities of the present realities, he has an unwavering in Nigeria.
“I have witnessed the ingenuity of our people, the excellence of our professionals, the determination of our youth, and the resilience that continues to distinguish us among the nations of the world. These qualities are not ordinary assets, they are strategic advantages that position Nigeria to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the future of Africa and contributing meaningfully to global affairs.
