Member, Bende Federal Constituency and Spokesperson of the House, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called on Nigerians to reflect on today’s democracy day commemoration as a reminder on our rights and freedom regardless of our diversities and to embrace law and order as they exercise their fundamental rights.
The representative made this statement in a release made today June 12, 2021 in celebration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
He urged the Federal government to pay attention to the legacy left by the founding fathers of the nation and honour it by ensuring that unity and peace are not jeopardized in the country as this would hinder growth and development.
He went added that as representative elected through a democratic process, he continues to bear in mind the responsibility of representing the people of Bende Federal Constituency.
June 12, 2021 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY, NIGERIA
Today, as we celebrate Democracy Day and two years of serving the great people of Bende Federal Constituency and Nigeria at the House of Representatives, I am reminded of the democratic mandate that brought me into this office; the solemn responsibility I bear to represent the good people of Bende in this position of leadership by service. I am also reminded of the letters of the oath of office wherein I swore to act “always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Today, we must be mindful of the importance of having fundamental human rights and freedoms regardless of our diversities; that government remains of the people, by the people and for the people; and that the present democratic dispensation came at a cost and is a heritage that must be upheld for the next generation.
Today’s Democracy Day is a momentous point in our present reality and behoves on us as citizens to reflect upon our current path and begin to apply course-correcting measures that lead our nation, regions and communities from the precipice of instability and into shared peace and prosperity.
On the national front, despite the economic challenges of the pandemic in the last year, Nigeria made a remarkable exit out of recession that shocked economists around the world. The fact that we have seen a recovery in non-oil GDP growth is positive reinforcement as we continue on this arduous journey to full economic recovery. Unfortunately, despite these strides, we celebrate Democracy Day in the middle of one of the most trying periods in recent history. We are plagued by insecurity and the dissenting voices of Nigerians, secessionists, and non-state actors whose actions threaten to undermine the gains of our democracy.
We cannot pretend that the Nigerian state has not been severally questioned by Nigerians of diverse backgrounds in these past 22 years of our 4th republic. Therefore, while our unity remains sacrosanct, it is imperative and certainly advantageous to our progress as a nation that we explore the benefits of honest dialogue and possibly a renegotiation of our social contract.
At the home front, Bende Federal Constituency has witnessed one of the brightest periods in its history as the growing presence of over 42 federal government projects and interventions attracted by my office in just 2 years, have made the dividends of democracy tangible to the people of Bende. I continue to hold dear, the democratic ethos of accountability and transparency, wherefore I have comprehensively published the projects, bills, motions and other legislative achievements which I have championed in various media, including my updated website, www.benjaminkalu.com.
On this day celebrating democracy in Nigeria, I gratefully acknowledge the partnership of leaders, traditional rulers, indigenes and other stakeholders of Bende Federal Constituency. Indeed, this would not be a democratic representation if I did not enjoy your constant love, support, guidance and counsel.
I remain committed to being the eyes, ears and voice of the people of Bende in government. I remain resolute in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Bende. I remain committed to the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria.
Congratulations to all Nigerians on 22 years of democracy in the 4th Republic.
May God continue to bless us all.
Signed,
Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu
Member, Bende Federal Constituency
