There is no alternative to democracy – Mark

Senate President, David Mark, has said that in spite of the challenges, democracy remains the best form of government for Nigeria. He said democracy is now firmly rooted in Nigeria for good.

Mark said this while receiving a delegation from the Royal College of Defence Studies, United Kingdom on Tuesday in Abuja, that is on a study tour of Nigeria.

The senate president said that democracy had been stabilised and all Nigerians appreciated it as the best form of government.

“I have experienced both military and civilian democracy. I can say without mincing words that democracy is the preferred option and truly the best form of government. We have our challenges, but there is no alternative to democracy.

“All Nigerians and friends of Nigeria must work hard to protect, defend and make democracy thrive in our land,” he said.

He noted that the legislature was the custodian of democracy and should be given its place of pride in the scheme of things.

Mark, however, lamented the unabating security challenges in the country, saying that with the collective will of all Nigerians, the country would overcome the challenges.

He told the delegation that Nigeria played a big-brother role for her neighbours, adding that, “we don’t bully them, even though we have the might but assist them in times of needs”.

Head of the delegation, Major General Porter Simon, said that they were in Nigeria as part of the study tour of Africa.

Simon said Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d’voire were chosen for this year’s programme in Africa.

The Royal College of Defence Studies is the senior college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom.