As Nigerians across the country marked Democracy Day 2025, the President of the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Dr. Ayodeji Abdulwahid Abdulrauf, FCS, issued a powerful statement calling on the nation\u2019s political, religious, union, and public service leaders to embrace responsible governance and allow the masses to benefit from democracy.<\/p>\n
In a message titled \u201cLet the Poor Breathe: A Call for Democratic Renewal and Responsible Leadership,\u201d Dr. Abdulrauf described democracy as one of humanity\u2019s boldest experiments \u2014 and one that must be fought for, nurtured, and continually renewed through policies that truly serve the people.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must ask ourselves: Are we making democracy better, or allowing it to wither? Nigeria is blessed with both human and natural resources, yet millions of citizens remain trapped in poverty while public officials live extravagantly. This is a betrayal of democratic ideals,\u201d the NASFAT president stated.<\/p>\n
Dr. Abdulrauf noted that over 26 years into Nigeria\u2019s democratic journey, the country still grapples with poor leadership, weak institutions, impunity, and widespread disinformation, all of which threaten the fabric of the nation\u2019s democracy.<\/p>\n
He emphasized the need for a change in orientation \u2014 not just among leaders, but also among citizens. According to him, social media and technology platforms must be held accountable for their role in spreading disinformation and polarizing society, while civic and religious institutions must adapt to foster unity, dialogue, and participatory governance.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must rebuild the institutions that bring people together \u2014 from trade groups to religious associations \u2014 and create platforms that allow for meaningful debate and shared decision-making. Democracy must work from the grassroots up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dr. Abdulrauf also called for a total overhaul of civic education in Nigerian schools, suggesting a hands-on approach that teaches the values of citizenship, empathy, and active participation from a young age.<\/p>\n
Citing the Qur\u2019anic principle of mutual consultation (Shura), he reminded Muslim leaders that Islam fundamentally supports democracy, stating that rulers must be elected, laws must be formulated through consensus, and citizens must be free to express their opinions.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no room for dictatorship or imperialism in Islam,\u201d he emphasized. \u201cA Muslim ruler must be accountable to the people. Likewise, Nigeria\u2019s electoral institutions must uphold transparency, integrity, and fairness.\u201d<\/p>\n
Using Singapore\u2019s Lee Kuan Yew as an example, Dr. Abdulrauf stressed that Nigeria\u2019s problem isn\u2019t democracy itself but rather poor leadership, corruption, and a lack of accountability.<\/p>\n
\u201cLee Kuan Yew wasn\u2019t a military ruler. He succeeded because of discipline, vision, and strong institutions. Nigeria needs the same \u2014 not strongmen, but strong systems,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The NASFAT president further charged the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to take the lead in rebuilding national values by promoting empathy, discipline, unity, and shared responsibility. He called for a return to indigenous Nigerian values, with a renewed focus on hard work, integrity, and redefining what success means for young people.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo foreign country will develop Nigeria for us. The greatness of this nation lies not in what we hope others will do for us, but in what we are willing to do for ourselves,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In his closing remarks, Dr. Abdulrauf congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and commended NASFAT members for their continued commitment to positive change across the globe.<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough is enough. Let the poor breathe. Let democracy reign for the public good. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live NASFAT \u2013 a pacesetting faith-based organization changing Nigeria\u2019s narrative for good,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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