June 12: Ex-Gov Sylva applauds Buhari's democratic ideals, says Nigeria has gone a long way

Ex-Governor Chief Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa on Wednesday described this year's Democracy day as a moment of deep significance in the country's history saying Nigeria has made progress.

Sylva, leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa urged the new National Assembly members from the state to be true representatives of not just their respective constituencies, but of all Bayelsa people.

Sylva in a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr Julius Bokoru observed that the country has gone a long way despite the challenges confronting the nation.

“Nigeria's democracy, though still fledgling, has been hard fought and steep to come by.

“It has come at the wake of sacrifices from patriots, extraordinary selflessness from statesmen and above all, unflinching resolve in Nigerians to yearn and strive for a country tall and brave in justice, equity and fairness





“Our democracy has been tested, it has survived the few cynics within us, it has survived a civil war, it has survived years of governmental ambiguity and it has reached this moment, it's flashiest moment, which stretches uninterrupted from 1999.

“Nothing explains better the collective will of Nigerians for freedom and equality and a voice for every single person,” Sylva stated.

Sylva also applauded President Buhari's pro-democratic ideals, saying that Nigeria’s democracy has been protected, deepened under this administration and the pace has been set for an even more democratic tomorrow

According to the statement, Sylva advised the newly sworn in national assembly members from Bayelsa in a post-inauguration dinner in Abuja, and charged them to be worthy ambassadors of the state.

“The victory and swearing in of Senator Degi-Eremienyo of Bayelsa East Senatorial zone, Hon Preye Oseke of the Southern Ijaw Federal constituency and Hon Israel Sunny-Goli of the Brass/Nembe Federal Constituency is a testament that Bayelsans are ready to create their own futures.


“It is a testament that the sun will soon shine on Bayelsa and the days of ineptitude, insincerity and mental sterility in government offices is about to come to an end.

“Bayelsa State will grow, against the wishes of those whose financial and otherwise survival depends on its stagnation.

“We are optimistic that Nigeria's democracy is heading to the A-list of world democracies,” Sylva stated.