By Asile Abel
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has called on political activists to lead by example and remain accountable to the people who elected them. Speaking at the public presentation and book launch of Demonstration of Craze: Struggles and Transition to Democracy by Hon. Abdul Oroh on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the governor emphasized that the welfare and security of citizens must be the top priority for those in public office.
Represented by his Principal Private Secretary, Professor Bello Ayuba, Governor Sani stressed the importance of protecting Nigeria’s democracy. “Anyone who experienced military rule will not toy with democracy. Despite its imperfections, constitutional democracy remains the best system of government,” he said.
He highlighted the core principles of democracy—citizen participation, rule of law, equality, transparency, accountability, human rights, political tolerance, a multi-party system, and free elections—as essential for building and sustaining a diverse nation like Nigeria.
Anyone who experienced military rule will not toy with democracy. Despite its imperfections, constitutional democracy remains the best system of government
The governor urged pro-democracy and civil rights activists to actively engage with both federal and state governments to ensure accountability. “Activate your governance observatories. Keep us on our toes. We are servants of the people. Together, let us grow and sustain this democracy,” he said.
Commenting on the book, Sani described it as a significant contribution to the literature on Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggles.
We were in the trenches together, fighting against military authoritarianism and advocating for the expansion of democratic space
He praised the author, Hon. Abdul Oroh, as a long-time comrade and ally in the fight for fundamental rights and freedoms. “We were in the trenches together, fighting against military authoritarianism and advocating for the expansion of democratic space,” he recalled.
Sani noted Oroh’s remarkable career, from his impactful work in journalism to serving as the Executive Director of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) and later as a Member of the House of Representatives in 2003.
He commended the book for offering insights into Oroh’s formative years, his guiding philosophy, and his role in the battle against military rule. “How do you navigate the slippery world of Nigerian politics with your values and ethics? This is the dilemma some of us continue to face as we strive to leave lasting legacies of selfless service,” Sani added.
How do you navigate the slippery world of Nigerian politics with your values and ethics? This is the dilemma some of us continue to face as we strive to leave lasting legacies of selfless service
The event, held in Kaduna, drew activists, political leaders, and community stakeholders who lauded the governor’s call for accountability and the author’s contribution to documenting Nigeria’s democratic journey. Governor Sani’s remarks underscored the collective responsibility to defend and strengthen democracy, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the people’s trust and welfare to prevent disillusionment with the democratic process.
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