Keep Faith in Democratic Process, Ifeajika Tells Nigerians

Democracy Requires Patience and Participation

THE Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Olisa Ifeajika, has called on Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s democratic journey, insisting that democracy remains a work in progress that requires patience, active participation and collective responsibility.

Speaking during an interview on Politics HQ on News Central Television, Ifeajika said Nigeria’s democratic experience should be assessed within the context of its relatively short history of uninterrupted civilian rule.

According to him, although the country faces challenges in areas such as electoral credibility, human rights and the rule of law, steady progress has been made over the past 27 years of democratic governance.

He argued that no democracy develops without setbacks, stressing that imperfections should not discourage citizens from supporting the system.

“Our democracy is growing. We are still learning and improving. We may make mistakes along the way, but together, we will correct them and become better. Nigerians must have faith in the system because democracy is a journey,” he said.

Warning Against Voter Apathy

Ifeajika expressed concern over increasing voter apathy and public skepticism toward elections, describing both as obstacles to democratic consolidation.

He maintained that citizens who desire quality leadership must remain actively involved in the electoral process rather than withdrawing from it.

According to him, democratic institutions can only become stronger when citizens consistently exercise their voting rights and hold elected leaders accountable.

He also advocated continued electoral reforms and voter education initiatives as essential tools for strengthening public confidence in elections and governance.

Anioma State Agitation Requires Popular Backing

Beyond electoral issues, the governor’s aide addressed the long-standing agitation for the creation of Anioma State.

He described the demand as a legitimate aspiration that has existed for several decades but stressed that any successful state creation effort must originate from the collective will of the people.

Ifeajika insisted that the proposed state should be carved out of Delta State while remaining within the South-South geopolitical zone, with Asaba serving as the capital.

He noted that cultural and ethnic identity should not automatically determine geopolitical alignment.

Consensus Key to State Creation

Responding to claims that former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa opposed the creation of Anioma State, Ifeajika said the former governor had always supported the agitation, provided it preserved the area’s South-South identity.

He warned against attempts to politicise the issue, arguing that state creation should not be driven by personal ambitions or partisan interests.

According to him, the constitutional process for creating a new state begins with widespread support among the affected population before progressing through legislative approval stages.

Reaffirming his optimism about Nigeria’s future, Ifeajika urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, participate actively in nation-building and continue supporting democratic institutions as the country works toward deeper political development.