In a message released to commemorate Democracy Day, the cleric reflected on Nigeria’s political journey since independence, stating that the vision of the country’s founding fathers was to establish a nation where citizens would determine their own future and collectively drive national development.
According to him, the struggle for self-rule was founded on the belief that Nigerians possessed the capacity and resources needed to build a prosperous and stable nation.
“When the founding fathers of our nation fought for self-determination, they did so with a firm belief: that we, as a people, possessed everything required to shape our own growth, development, and progress,” Suleman said.
The preacher noted that although Nigeria initially embraced a parliamentary system after independence, years of military intervention interrupted the country’s democratic evolution and weakened the principles of accountable governance.
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He argued that the prolonged period of military rule left a lasting impact on the nation’s political culture, making it difficult for leaders to fully embrace the ideals upon which democracy is built.
Suleman lamented what he described as a growing disconnect between political leaders and the people they were elected to serve, insisting that democracy should benefit all citizens rather than a select group.
“Today, as we mark Democracy Day, it appears our current political leaders have redefined the term into a government of a few, by a few, and for a few,” Suleman lamented. “There is no other way to explain why safety has become an exclusive luxury reserved only for those in the corridors of power.”
The cleric expressed particular concern over the worsening security situation across the country, saying many Nigerians now live in fear while criminal activities continue to threaten lives and livelihoods.
“Outside those walls, our children are kidnapped and maimed, women are assaulted by violent actors, and the educators who provide our youth with hope are slaughtered like sacrificial animals,” he said.
According to Suleman, the primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property, stressing that leadership should be evaluated by its ability to guarantee the safety and well-being of citizens.
“A democracy and a government fail the moment they can no longer fulfill their most fundamental responsibility: protecting lives and property. This is the exact purpose for which they were elected,” the cleric declared.
He further stated that many Nigerians are unable to celebrate Democracy Day with enthusiasm because of the realities of insecurity, economic hardship, and uncertainty confronting millions of households.
“Today, we should be celebrating freedom and development. Instead, we are weeping, anxious, and deeply worried that the enemies of our collective destiny appear to be gaining the upper hand while the government offers nothing but excuses,” he said.
While acknowledging the significance of Democracy Day, Suleman maintained that the occasion should also serve as a period of reflection on the state of the nation and the quality of leadership being provided to citizens.
He concluded his message with prayers for national renewal, calling for leaders who would prioritise peace, development, and the welfare of the people.
“May God uproot the leadership that is pretending to serve the people and install the true leadership that will contend for the progress, advancement, and tranquility of Nigeria,” he prayed.
“We look forward to the rise of authentic leaders who will restore peace, security, and advancement to Nigeria.”
Suleman’s remarks come amid increasing calls from religious leaders, civil society groups, and concerned citizens for stronger action to address the country’s security challenges and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.
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