'May 29 calls for sober reflection,' says House of Reps speaker

Speaker, House of Representatives,

A statement issued on Saturday by Dogara's spokesman, Mr Turaki Hassan, said that Nigeria's democracy has come of age since 17 years of uninterrupted constitutional democratic rule.

"As a major symbol of democracy, the House of Representatives promise to continue to strengthen our democratic growth and development through legislation for the needs and aspirations of Nigerians.

"The 2015 general elections that brought the opposition party headed by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to power shows that our democracy has matured and come of age.

"As Nigeria faces serious economic challenges as a result of dwindling oil revenues and mismanagement of our resources, Nigerians should trust the capacity of the current government to confront these problems and provide lasting solutions.

"Indeed, we should patiently await the results of the current policies and actions of government which we believe will soon begin to yield positive results.

"It is not an easy task and we are not yet there. But with hard work, commitment, dedication and patriotic zeal on the part of all Nigerians and corrupt- free government, our democracy will soon deliver on its promise of good life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," the statement said.

Speaking further, Dogara said this milestone event calls for sober reflection on achievements and failures as a democratic nation.