15th anniversary of democracy, with a lamentation on what it called rising corruption, insecurity and unemployment.

THE Senate, on Wednesday, passed a resolution in felicitation with Nigerians over the 15th anniversary of democracy, with a lamentation on what it called rising corruption, insecurity and unemployment.

The legislators, in a motion sponsored by Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba and 107 others, lamented the  growing activities of the Boko Haram sect, asking Nigerians to unite in the fight against terror.

The lawmakers commended President Goodluck Jonathan for infrastructure development by his administration, adding, however, that the government needed to tackle the scourge of corruption currently ravaging the country.

Presenting the motion, Senate Leader, Ndoma-Egba stated that Nigeria’s democracy was maturing, adding that the legislature was also “a catalyse in its practice and proceedure, in line with international best practices.”

According to Ndoma Egba, the nation was already noticing dividends of democracy in sectors like agriculture, power and  transportation, adding that the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill would further transform the country into a stronger economic power.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory, Smart Adeyemi, said democracy had, in the first instance, allowed Nigerians the freedom of speech, which was generally lacking during military regimes.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Ayogu Eze,  said the Federal Government was laying a solid foundation for the institutionalisation of free and fair election in the country.

Senator Emmanuel Paulker insisted that the worst democratic rule was better than a benevolent military regime, adding that Nigerians were beginning to see stability in the areas of  power, roads infrastructure and telecommunications.

Senate President, David Mark, said democracy had taken roots in the country, adding that the most visible effect of democracy was the freedom of speech.

“What we have gained most in the current dispensation in the last 15 years is the freedom for us to speak freely. Today, we can discuss our problems and if we can identify and discuss the problem, half of the problem is solved.”