The Sacred Voice of the Citizen:* *Honoring Our Heritage, Strengthening Our Nation, and Inspiring the Future
Dear fellow citizens,
36 years ago we embarked on a democratic journey that is unique, relevant and acceptable to us.
Today, as we celebrate Democracy Day, we stand together in deep reflection and profound pride for our great nation, Nigeria. This day belongs to all of us, especially you—the electorate—the heartbeat of our democratic journey and the true custodians of our national destiny.
Our democracy is a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian spirit.
As we look back at the distance we have covered, we are called to fulfill a threefold duty to our fatherland:
• We honor our past heroes. We salute the courage, perseverance of our past patriots who believed in a free Nigeria. They broke the chains of oppression and secured our sacred right to vote, leaving us an enduring legacy of freedom that we must dutifully cherish and protect.
• We engage today’s political gladiators. Our democracy thrives when we give vent to all shades of expression, when we, the people, actively participate, remain vigilant, and united. The ballot box is our peaceful instrument of ushering in constitutional and moral authority, and it is through our collective, informed choices that we guide our current leaders toward accountability, justice, and progress.
We inspire the next generation. The democratic decisions made today are the legacy we build and bequeath for tomorrow’s use. By adopting a we-all do-all people-centric governance approach and standing firm for unity, integrity, and civic duty, we light a torch for our youth, inspiring the next generation of patriotic visionary leaders to carry Nigeria to greater enviable heights.
The office of the patriotic citizen is the highest, most important and most powerful office in our nation.
Let us honor the sacrifices of yesterday, strengthen the institutions of today, and build a peaceful, prosperous country for the generations to come.
Building a society that is egalitarian enough for citizens to feel a sense of belonging to One Tribe and One Nation is ‘What Matters Now’
Happy Democracy Day to you and your family. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In civic and patriotic solidarity,
Brig Gen John Sunday Sura, rtd.
Plateau State ADC Gubernatorial Candidate, 2027
_-SURA DIRECTORATE of MEDIA and STRATEGY_