By Comfort Olayinka
As Nigeria marks 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, Hon. Ukodhiko Jonathan, representing Isoko North and South Federal Constituency of Delta State, has described the milestone as a major achievement worth celebrating.
Speaking in commemoration of Democracy Day, Hon. Jonathan praised the enduring democratic values of freedom of speech, choice, and lawful liberty, contrasting them with the restrictive era of military rule. “During the military regime, were you free? Can you say anything? Can you criticize government? The answer is no,” he noted.
The lawmaker also commended the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of government, describing it as essential for national development.
In a bold endorsement of the APC-led administration, Jonathan applauded the government’s “painful but necessary” decisions aimed at moving the country forward. He rejected claims that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state, pointing to the president’s inclusive stance and the active registration of new parties by INEC.
“Nigeria can’t become a one-party state. The president is not stopping any party from organizing themselves,” he said, adding that recent defections to the APC reflect citizens’ growing confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“People like us know that the Renewed Hope Agenda is one of the best things to ever happen to Nigerians. No one is being forced to join APC; they see the progress and they’re moving towards it,” Jonathan affirmed.
