As Nigeria marks Democracy Day tomorrow, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned the government and armed forces against publicizing security matters.
He said that it is pitiful that the government and the armed forces have evolved the habit of debating critical issues bordering on national security in public.
“Relations between civil-military authorities should be managed with care and maturity to safeguard our democracy. Some of the issues being discussed in public are not matters for the market square.”
In a statement issued today by his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku asked Nigerians not to allow democracy to die and that they should collectively protect the democracy, which was attained after years of struggle to end military rule in Nigeria.
He encouraged Nigerians to emulate the examples of statesmen and women like late MKO Abiola, Bola Ige, Kudirat Abiola and Gani Fawehinmi, whose lives were fully committed to democracy in Nigeria.
As Nigeria commemorates the restoration of democracy in the country, Atiku said that the end of military rule in Nigeria brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and an end to arbitrary arrests and torture, but said that Nigeria is gradually deviating from that path.
“The responsibility for our country’s democracy lies with each and every one of us. We must participate actively in the process of governance, and ensure that the constitution and the rule of law are upheld at all times.”
The former Vice President urged Nigerians to contribute their quota to national security, by reporting any suspicious activity to the police.
[myad]
You are right Atiku Abubakar there is need for secret in security matters.