Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo has called for a united Nigeria as the country commemorates Democracy Day.

He also urged Ondo residents to refrain from actions and utterances that could truncate the country’s unity.

The governor’s message was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, on Saturday in Akure.

According to him, having nurtured democracy since May 29, 1999, it will be a great disservice for anyone to work against it.

Mr Akeredolu explained, ”We toed a fitful path to today’s democracy. Our sacrifices and experiences have proven that this democracy is for the greater good of the people. 

We must continue, against all odds, to nurture it to perfection.

”Undoubtedly, we have our challenges as a country, which, of course, have put our people on edge recently. We must nonetheless understand that the only way to help our hitches is to address it without colouration or sentiment.”

He added that Nigerians ”must not give credence to the calculated acts of divisive elements who are determined to instigate Nigerians against one another.”

“Our unity is our strength. Let us promote unity, peace, and love,” the governor said.

He assured the residents of his administration’s commitment to delivering dividends of good governance to the people in every part of the state.

Mr Akeredolu reiterated his determination to continue to make the welfare of the people a priority, adding that more life-impacting projects were on the way going forward in his second term.

He lauded the people for their support, noting that their cooperation contributed to the achievements recorded by his administration in the last four years.