The Speaker of the House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila, says Nigerian democracy has been redefined under All Progressives Congress-led regime of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Mr Gbajabiamila made the assertion in a statement signed by his media aide Lanre Lasisi on Saturday, noting that the APC and Buhari has brought greater dividends of democracy to the Nigerian people
“Gbajabiamila specifically commended the APC-led government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari for redefining democracy by bringing its dividends closer to the citizens through various people-oriented programmes and policies,” the statement reads in part.
In spite Mr Gbajabiamila’s endorsement, there have been growing discontent in the polity about failures of the Buhari regime chiefly in security and economy. Critics also often point to the president’s nepotistic leaning in approach national issues.
On Saturday, thousands of Nigerians marched across major Nigerian cities in commemoration of the Democracy Day celebration. The demonstrators’ agitations bothered on insecurity, government’s disregard of civil rights, failing economy among other demands.
The APC took over power at the center in 2015, ending Peoples Democracy Party’s 16 year rule and paving way for Muhammadu Buhari to emerge as the first opposition candidate to defeat an incumbent president in Nigeria.
Since Mr Buhari assumed power at the center, however, his regime has been characterised by disregard for court orders, clampdown on protesters, attack on press and human rights abuses.
Last year October, Nigerian army opened live rounds on #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll Gate, killing about 10 citizens who were protesting against police brutality and extra-judicial killings perpetrated by Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigerian Police.
On June 4, Mr Buhari banned Twitter from Nigeria, blocking citizens access to the micro-blogging site.
Mr Buhari’s Twitter ban has been condemned by both local and international rights bodies, with the United States of America and UK saying it illegal and undemocratic.