Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has come out to say that Nigeria’s democracy must be protected.

He recently revealed this while speaking in Abuja at the 2021 Press Freedom Awards organised by the national body of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

According to him, Nigerians from all walks of life, whether in government or as professionals, must rededicate themselves to safeguarding our democracy henceforth because that is the wisest move for us now.

He added that Nigerians must see nation-building as a joint effort because each citizen has a critical role to play to achieve the best vision for the country.

His words, “Our democracy has survived twenty-two long years, but we cannot take it for granted. We are at this moment buffeted by ill wind on all sides.”

“Our highest task, our most pressing ambition for which there are no other alternatives, is the protection of this democracy. If we fail in this regard, nothing else will matter, nothing else we do will count in our favour when the tally of history is settled.”

“We have it in our power to improve our nation’s future and leave this world better than we found it. So, let us do that together.”

“You can only live up to this responsibility when you commit to the vigorous pursuit of elusive truths, and dedicate yourselves to the service of paramount principles.”

“Unfortunately, a number of those who practice journalism in our country have failed and are failing to live up to the responsibility imposed by the power you hold.”

“Far from giving voice to the aspirations of our nation, or holding the powerful properly to account, much of journalism in Nigeria has become an endless pursuit of clickbait through the careless writing of falsehoods and malicious publication of half-truths.”