DEMOCRACY DAY: "The Labor of our Heroes past shall not be in vain" - Prof. Gregory Ibe

In a press release made available to AFNEWS and signed by Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe, he expressed joy at the slow but steady movement of Nigerian democracy from 29th May 1999 till date.

"I am joyful simply because of our steadfastness in steering the rudder of civilian rule so far, slowly but steadily on the shore of democracy from 29th May 1999 till date. We may not have made tremendous socio-economic progress, but it is heartwarming that having set sail and subsequently gathered some momentum on this highly turbulent democratic voyage, we will surely arrive the Promised Land, if we faint not".

On the other hand, Professor Gregory Ikechukwu Ibe revealed that the unhealthy environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted what should have being a colourful 21st anniversary event.

"It is therefore against the backdrop of the struggles, sacrifices and martyrdom of the highly celebrated heroes and heroines of our democracy that I urge my fellow countrymen to shun all forms of ethnicity, religious bigotry and other divisive tendencies, while completely recommitting themselves to the task of building a virile and prosperous nation that will be the envy of all".

Prof. Ibe who is also the Chancellor and Proprietor of Gregory University Uturu, concluded by advising that the anniversary be marked with soberness of mind, responsibly abiding by all anti COVID 19 protocols, while resolving to ensure the performance of that line in our national anthem that says '...the labor of our heroes past shall not be in vain'.