The lawmaker, who who represented Kaduna Central in the 9th Assembly, Shehu Sani, has told President Bola Tinubu that the national anthem or the constitution cannot unite a nation.
He said the people could only be united on the ideals of freedom, justice, and equity.
Mr Sani stated this on Wednesday while speaking at a special dinner organised to mark Democracy Day at the State House Abuja.
He also reminded the president that he has a duty to succeed in order to justify the struggle for the country to return to democratic rule.
“Mr President, I would like to draw your attention to this fact and this truth, a national anthem cannot unite a nation, a national pledge cannot unite a nation, a constitution cannot unite a nation.
“A nation is united by the ideals of freedom, a nation is united by equity and by justice.
“This democracy was not a gift given to us by the military, it was not a lottery that we won, it was a product of struggle and sacrifice.
“Mr President, you have a duty to succeed. If you succeed, we will share your glory because you came from the trenches, you came from that struggle, you came from that period of struggle.
“Mr President, if you fail, they will say that those of you who fought for democracy have nothing new to offer Nigeria,” he said.
The former lawmaker and activist also appealed to the president to release all detained during the October 20, 2020 End Sara protest.
According to him, the protesters took after Mr Tinubu, whom he said was at the forefront of the struggle for the return of civilian rule in the country.
“Mr. President, there are some people who are still in detention as a result of EndSars’ protest. They were young people who were protesting for justice, freedom, and democracy.
“Any young protester in Nigeria today should learn from you because you were the father of protest in Nigeria. Do something about it. Give them the freedom; give them the pardon.
“You taught us; you funded us to stand up and fight. So, they are your children and grandchildren; give them pardon,” he pleaded.