Information Minister Backs IPAC Documentary on Nigeria’s 25 years of Uninterrupted Democracy

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated government’s commitment in supporting the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Nigeria (IPAC), in ensuing its documentary project, aimed at projecting Nigeria’s 25 years of unbroken democratic journey is successful.

Idris, stated this when he received a delegation from IPAC, in his office, in Abuja, Nigeria.

IPAC is the umbrella body of all the registered Political Parties in Nigeria. A platform for the promotion and sustenance of a free, fair, credible, transparent, acceptable, inclusive and peaceful electoral environment in Nigeria.

The Information Minister, stressed that IPAC, is not just a ruling party affair, but a congregation of all political parties in Nigeria joining hands to ensure that Nigeria’s democracy survives, hence all its project towards ensuring a stable Nigeria should be supported.

He noted that the proposed documentary by IPAC is a critical chronicle of Nigeria’s democratic journey over the last 25 years.

“This documentary you want to do is not just for IPAC. It is not just for the government of the day. It is for the democracy that all of us are thriving to protect and to project in the interest of our country. And I would want to commit to you, that this ministry, together with all its agencies and indeed the Nigerian media generally, will collaborate with you to ensure that this documentary aimed at showcasing the country’s 25 years of unbroken democratic journey will see the light of the day. And I assure you that this ministry will be behind it fully and will work with you to ensure that this happens.

“I acknowledge the untiring efforts of IPAC and its leadership in fostering democracy, and in this regard, through the medium of film which will serve as a long-lasting historical record in honouring our nation’s political heroes, and the showcasing of our democratic credentials. To this end, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, is willing to support this unique documentary. We will continue to deepen our engagement. We will continue to respect each other’s views, but at the same time, respecting our individual identities as political parties” he said.

Mr. Idris, while commending IPAC for its commitment to democratic development, emphasized the need for political parties to keep working together beyond elections to foster national unity and progress.

“The issue of political parties are actually the bedrock that we have for democracy. Without political parties, democracy will not stand. I commend your efforts of understanding that while you maintain your individual policies and your healthy opposition to the government in power, you also share the need for all of us to come together in the interest of our dear country.

“The government of President Bola Ahmed Tunubu is in support of healthy political competition, as democracy thrives on constructive opposition and national interest-driven collaboration irrespective of party affiliations. While the sustaining of democracy is a collective effort, Political parties are the foundation of democracy; and while competition during elections is natural, we must come together afterward to build our nation.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a true democrat, values healthy competition but also prioritizes unity and national progress”, he added

Showcase of Nigeria’s democratic achievements 

Earlier, the National Chairman of IPAC, Mr.Yusuf Dantatlle, explained that the documentary will showcase advancements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social cohesion.

“As a strategic communication tool, this project aims to tell our story to the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, through the powerful medium of film. The documentary, in addition to being a historical marker, targets the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, as the film will serve as an educational resource and a unifying force, unifying narrative of Nigeria’s democratic evolution. It will feature some of Nollywood’s finest actors and will be produced with state-of-the-art equipment, matching global standards of quality and impact,” he said.

He added that sustained democracy can only be achieved through collective efforts.

“Sustaining democracy is a collective effort, and this project will recognize the contributions of all stakeholders, political parties, civil society, the media, and the Nigerian people. This collaboration is vital in showcasing Nigeria’s democratic resilience and progress, and I urge all Nigerians to support and engage with this documentary as we continue to build the bright future of all of us”, he said.

The proposed documentary movie titled: ‘From Brooklyn to An Half-Decade of Democracy‘, chronicles Nigeria’s democratic journey for over 25 years as well as lessons learnt in the course of the Nation’ s democratic journey.

Emmanuel Ukoh