SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE SPEAKER, EKITI YOUTH PARLIAMENT, RT. HON. TOBA FATUNLA, IN COMMEMORATION OF THIS YEAR'S DEMOCRACY DAY CELEBRATION

I wish to felicitate with all Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day Celebration in Nigeria.

June 12 is indeed, a memorable day in the lives of Nigerians. It is the day we reclaim all our civil liberties, a day to sit and assess how we all got here, a day to relax and probe how far we have gone.

Regardless of the present situation of the economy, we should be thankful for the freedom we’ve got. The essence of a true democratic society is for us to have freedom and the liberty to fundamental human rights. When we stand for our rights, then we stand for freedom. Freedom is what we need, freedom is what we crave for, it's the bane of our existence. 

We have come together as one, we have decided to unite in the face of adversity. We have decided to help one another to make life beautiful. We have decided to raise the flag of the nation because Nigeria is ours! 

If you decide to give up on freedom, it means you have decided to give up on life. Freedom gives you the right to life and good living. Freedom is all we need in our hearts, and not killing and fighting with one another. All the ethnic groups must come together, harmonize our voices and together put a stop to violence, government at all levels must be sincere and ready to dialogue to find a common ground and reasons for coexistence. 

We are proud of our country. We are proud because we know that we will soon be led to the light, and we are sure we will soon get there. We are confident that in no distant time, things will turn out for the better. 

The government at the federal, state and local level should work hard to overcome the shortcomings of democratic rule so that the labour of our heroes past like Chief M. K. O. Abiola will not be in vain. Our people must be at the centre of our decision, no democracy without the people. We must also show seriousness by creating spaces for the youths, listen to us and engage us productively. No nation can succeed without the youths, we are the power-house of the nation. To turn the tide around in Nigeria, the youths must take a more central stage. The energy, passionate, drive and potential is there to be harnessed. 

Meanwhile, regardless of the numerous sordid realities and harsh situations, let's be kind to one-another. Let's all rise to the challenge of contributing to the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Let us be alive to our responsibilities as true citizens of our dear nation. Let us stand against corruption and fight against sinister activities. Let us fight against terrorism and money laundering. Let us fight for our country and make it a better place for all and sundry. Government is wind; the Governed(People) are like grasses. When wind passes over it(the grasses), the grass is sure to bend."  The action and inaction of Government and the Governed are equal and opposite in direction. We must by ourselves make democracy work, both the Government and Governed. 

People should be free to air their opinions, express their rights,  for this is the true essence of democracy. No democracy without the people! Secure lives, make available provisions! For every position is a privilege! 

Happy democracy day✊

We need to come together as one. We need to gather each other for unity sake. We need to roar high and be proud of our country. Remember to pray for this country and remember to pray for its people.

It is Nigeria's democracy day, let us celebrate another year together.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Signed:

Rt. Hon Toba Fatunla

Speaker, Ekiti Youth Parliament&Chairman, Conference of State Youth Parliament Speakers, Nigeria.