THE Initiative for Leadership Development and Change, an NGO, on Wednesday described Senator Ahmed Lawan’s ascendancy to Senate President as victory for democracy.

The President of the Group, Chief Ugochukwu Nnam, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while congratulating Nigerians on Democracy Day.

Nnam, who defined democracy as “the practical voice of the majority”, said that such was demonstrated in the National Assembly.

“Ahmed Lawan’s victory was victory for democracy because the senators are representatives of the people.

“Moreover, his victory validates the supremacy of political parties over members,” Nnam said.

The ILDC boss explained that Nigeria’s democracy was improving with the election in the House of Representatives.

He congratulated Femi Gbajabiamila on his victory, saying that the elections of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives were landmarks in Nigeria’s democracy.

Nnam urged Nigerians to continue to support the efforts of President Buhari in advancing the frontiers of the country’s democracy.

According to him, this APC-led Federal Government means well for Nigeria, hence, the various reforms and achievements.

NAN reports that Sen. Ahmed Lawan defeated his closest rival, Ali Ndume to become the senate president for the 9th Senate on Tuesday.

While Femi Gbajabiamila became the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives by defeating Rep. Bago from Niger.

However, President Muhammadu Buhari had last year announced June 12 as a new Democracy Day in honour of the late MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election. (NAN)

– June 12, 2019 @ 12:52 GMT |