Independece Day: Developing thriving democracy not an easy task, Buhari admits

Olalekan Adetayo, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has admitted that developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task.

Buhari said this in his national broadcast aired early on Monday to mark the nation’s 58th independence anniversary. He said there could be no quick fixes or shortcuts.

The President also restated his commitment to the conduct of free and fair elections in the country.  He promised to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission is truly independent.

The President added, “I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly independent and properly staffed and resourced.

“The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name. “Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be no quick fixes or shortcuts.

“These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.”