Gov. Liyel Imoke of Cross River on Tuesday?appealed to Nigerians to?embrace sound moral values to ensure the?sustenance of democracy in the country.
Imoke made the appeal?in a statewide broadcast in Calabar to mark the 13th?anniversary of Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
“At this time of the year as we bask in the success of a thriving democracy let us look to recalibrate our collective moral compass, arming ourselves with the ethical and noble instruments needed to give the next generation a proper foundation.
“The strong, universal adoption of this value system represents a significant step in this direction. There is no better time to reflect on this?than on Democracy Day,’’ he said.
According to Imoke it has been 13 years of?freedom earned?collectively?as a nation.
He also urged Nigerians to use the occasion to?be more committed to the tenets of democracy.
“Today, as we take stock of the gains of that brave decision, we must savour the victories we have recorded over challenges; challenges that have made us stronger, united and more committed to the ideals and tenets of democracy.
“However, we must do so with humility, knowing that despite the progress we have made, we still have a long way to go. Some of the inherent values of democracy include freedom of expression, association and choice of leaders.
“These tenets have been in generous display in recent times in our country.
“Our state, which has been the reference point for such democratic values, consolidated its leading role in this regard in the recent elections which resulted in my second term in office,’’ he said.
The governor also stated that the free and fair election in the state had?strengthened?peace and unity among the people.
“The conduct of that election was typically without violence and adjudged by the Independent National Electoral Commission as a model for the entire country.
“It shows how much progress we have made together in our march towards the enthronement of true democracy as the only option for our socio-economic development.
?“Our performance in this administration demonstrates our firm belief that government should be there for those who need government the most.
“This is a pivotal part of the philosophy which underpins this administration and exemplifies the true essence of democracy. In a thriving democracy such as ours, the real beneficiaries are the electorate.
“As a state, we have endured several challenges to our democracy over the past 13 years. The process of transformation has been arduous and steep but we have persevered and we are succeeding’’, he added.
He assured the people that in spite of?shortfall in?revenue the administration?would remain committed to?the growth and development of the state.
Imoke said the administration had opened up the rural areas through the provision of roads, electricity,?potable water, schools and healthcare facilities.
According to him this has translated into considerable improvement in the standard of living and quality of life of the average person in the state.
“ This has been driven by a meticulously designed programme of socio-economic transformation brought about by the advent of democracy.
“Last year, Bekwarra Local Government Area became the first LGA in Nigeria to record an annual zero infant and maternal mortality.
“These achievements in healthcare provisions are being supported by the existence of complementary infrastructural development'', he said.?(NAN)