By MBAFAN ADE, Abuja –
Ahead of the forth-coming general elections in 2023, a former Member of the House of Representatives in the aborted 3rd Republic and university don, Professor Terhemba Shija, has enjoined all Nigerians to revive the spirit of June 12, 1993, when Nigerians from all walks of life re-affirmed their faith in a united Nigeria and voted across ethnic and religious divides for unity and progress under a democratic dispensation.
Shija, a professor of Literature and Critical Theory at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, made the call in his message to Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s June 12 Democracy Day.
In the statement signed by his Media aide, Sam Adzegeh, he also enjoins Benue people and all Nigerians to remain strong and steadfast even in the face of the current economic difficulties and continue to look into the future with hope, assuring that there is a strong shining light at the end of the tunnel.
The erudite Professor, who is one of the governorship aspirants in Benue state, further called on the people to remain vigilant and prayerful, reminding all those tough times may last, but tough people last longer.
While heartily felicitating with the people of Benue State and all Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day, Prof. Shija congratulated President Muhammad Buhari for his forbearance and doggedness in maintaining the nation on a steady path of development in spite of very daunting security and economic challenges.
He particularly thanked the President for approving the siting of three tertiary institutions in Benue State and for ongoing work on the dualization of the Abuja-Makurdi Road.
Shija also felicitated with the leader of the Middle Belt and Minister for Special Duties & Inter-Governmental Affairs, Senator George Akume, “for consistently remaining a champion of democracy as demonstrated by his helping to abort the third term agenda which was introduced by anti-democracy elements during his tenure at the National Assembly.”
Shija likewise congratulated the executive Governor of Benue State, Governor Samuel Ortom, as well as the Governors of the other 35 States, on this epoch-making occasion.
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