He made the statement as the nation prepares to mark the 15th democracy day.
In a statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the minister, Mr. Wale Akinola, the minister said Nigeria has come to stay as an entity despite security challenges.
According to him, democracy has offered hope of achieving and strengthening the democratic environment that all Nigerians aspire to live in.
“The democratic successes achieved in the past 15 years of democracy have been unprecedented. When the current political dispensation started in 1999, our ideals and ambitions were indeed lofty. This achievement demands collective commendation for every facet of our society as detractors only served to spur us to achieving our desired goal.
“But now, the results of our collective efforts have become evident and tangible through socio-economic development and growth. I want to urge the entire citizenry to consolidate the democracy and continue to instil and observe the essential democratic tenets to enable the country to attain her greatness.
“I equally want to urge Nigerians, especially politicians to use the occasion of the 15th democracy day anniversary to ensure quality leadership for the people. People should continue to pursue ideals and actions that would strengthen rather than undermine our democracy.”
He said that unity, especially among the political class, would help in sustaining the confidence and respect of the people, adding that rancour was a deterrent to development and sustenance of democracy.
“I want to congratulate Nigeria for her 15 years of uninterrupted democracy because it has proved commitment and zeal to make things right. The political class should continue to work in unity to sustain the confidence and respect of the people. I want to equally use this occasion to call on the good people of Nigeria to support government’s transformation programmes aimed at driving the nation forward.
Adesiyan, however, assured the entire citizenry that the issue of terrorism would soon become a thing of the past, adding that he and other security chiefs are working tirelessly to ensure that the abducted Chibok girls are rescued as soon as possible.
“Although this a trying time for us as a government, especially with the abduction of over 200 school girls of Chibok in Maiduguri, the Federal Government is not resting on its oars to ensure that security challenges plaguing the country is properly addressed. And I believe that the abduction of Chibok girls will put an end to the insurgency in Nigeria,” he said.
