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Tag: Democracy Day

  • Democracy Day: What Tinubu said about the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal

    Democracy Day: What Tinubu said about the ongoing Presidential Election Tribunal

    In his highly anticipated first Democracy Day speech as President, Bola Tinubu delivered a powerful message emphasizing unity, service to the people, and defending the legitimacy of his election victory.

    Addressing the nation, he took a firm stand against those contesting the outcome of the elections, including the Presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

    President Tinubu began by acknowledging the intense competition and contested nature of the polls, which he saw as a positive sign of a thriving democracy.

    “That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed,” he said.

    President Tinubu also highlighted the fundamental principle of democracy, where winners and losers coexist, as a testament to the strength of the nation’s democratic practice.

    “The beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections,” he said.

    The President stressed the importance of accepting defeat graciously and the value of seeking redress through the legal channels provided by the constitution.

    He reaffirmed that democracy is the best form of government, allowing citizens to exercise their rights and ensuring that the will of the people prevails.

    “Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph.

    “Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man,” the President said.

    Expressing gratitude for the trust and belief placed in his administration, President Tinubu assured the nation that sacrifices made would not be in vain.

    He outlined his commitment to making substantial investments in critical areas such as transportation infrastructure, education, reliable power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities to enhance the overall quality of life for Nigerians.

    Drawing inspiration from the late MKO Abiola, who fought for a democracy that prioritized the welfare of the people, President Tinubu urged everyone to rekindle the spirit of unity and service.

    He called upon elected officials across the executive and legislative branches to fulfill their promises and deliver tangible democracy dividends to the people they represent.

  • FULL SPEECH: Tinubu’s first Democracy Day address as president

    FULL SPEECH: Tinubu’s first Democracy Day address as president

    TEXT OF DEMOCRACY DAY NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON JUNE 12, 2023.

    1. Fellow Nigerians,

    2. It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people.

    3. The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.

    4. In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

    5. Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilization and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999.

    6. Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.

    7. We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power. To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.

    8. Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today.

    9. The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.

    10. We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny. True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.

    11. This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.

    12. That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed. But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.

    13. Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.

    14. For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.

    15. It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.

    16. The recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.

    17. The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.

    18. It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto been pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.

    19. Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.

    20. The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.

    21. On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.

    22. On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

    23. We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.

    24. On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.

    25. Thank you all and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Oborevwori salutes Deltans, Nigerians on Democracy Day

    Oborevwori salutes Deltans, Nigerians on Democracy Day

    Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has felicitated with Deltans and Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day today June 12.

    Oborevwori, in a goodwill message through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Festus Ahon in Asaba, said Deltans and Nigerians should celebrate this year’s democracy day in view of the smooth, peaceful, and successful transition from one civil administration to another.

    He stated that Nigeria’s democracy was waxing stronger, especially with improvements in the nation’s electoral laws, and urged citizens to take advantage of these reforms to choose leaders of their choice for the good governance of the nation.

    Oborevwori, said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and good people of Delta State, I congratulate Deltans and Nigerians on the commemoration of the 2023 Democracy Day, today June 12.

    “As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, it is important that we pay tribute to all those who risked their lives in the struggle to end military dictatorship and enthrone democracy in the country. They are the heroes of our democracy, and it is my prayer that their labour of sacrifice shall not be in vain.

    “We thank God that since the return of democracy in 1999 we have had 24 years of unbroken civil rule; Nigerians have enjoyed the opportunity to elect leaders of their choice for the purpose of good governance.

    “Here in Delta, we have been fortunate and privileged as a political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to be given the mandate to administer the affairs of the state since 1999.

    “Successive administrations in the state have continued to improve on the infrastructural and human capital developments of our dear state and my administration will not be an exception because we have promised to do more to advance the state through our MORE Agenda.

    “I, therefore, urge all Deltans and Nigerians to keep hope alive because whatever challenges the nation is grappling with would be surmounted in no distant time through constant prayer, cooperation, mutual understanding, and unity of purpose among the leaders and the led.

    “I pray that God will continue to bless our beloved state and country, as we continue to march forward in our Democratic journey.”

  • June 12: FG reels out activities for Democracy Day 2023

    June 12: FG reels out activities for Democracy Day 2023

    The federal government has reeled out activities to mark Democracy Day 2023, which the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume has said would be celebrated in low key with just two major events.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Senator Akume revealed the activities on Friday in Abuja at a World Press Conference on the programme of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day Celebration.

    Akume said the significance of the celebration as reviewed from May 29 to June 12 was to honour the heroes who championed the struggle and made sacrifices for the success of democracy in Nigeria.

    He assured Nigerians of the federal government’s commitment to ensure a brighter future of the country in spite of several challenges the citizens are going through.

    “The former president, Muhammadu Buhari decided in his wisdom as a patriotic Nigerian to right the wrong that has visited on this country with disastrous consequences by the military administration at that time.

    “Some Nigerians paid the supreme sacrifice and may be continued to be remembered by all of us for planting the seed of democracy that has germinated that today, we are celebrating 22 years of uninterrupted democracy.

    “May 29 remains the date for anniversary of handing over of power according to the constitution, but June 12 remains the date that gives us the opportunity to reflect on important and relevant of democracy. ”

    The SGF asked Nigerians both at home and in diaspora to assess where the nation has done well in its democratic dividends and suggest other ways for improvement.

    He expressed optimism that Nigeria would be better than its current position.

    “It is in the light of this that the theme of this year’s democratic celebration is ‘Hope Reassured’.

    “And, all of you know that societies are great, nations are great because the citizens have hope that tomorrow will be better than today.”

    He explained that the 2023 Democracy Day Celebration would be celebrated in low key with two major events of the World Press Conference and the presidential broadcast by President Bola Tinubu on Monday by 7 a. m.

  • Democracy Day: Three collapse during military parade

    No fewer than three persons collapsed on Monday during the military parade to mark the Democracy Day ceremony at Eagles Square, Abuja.

    Those who collapsed during the parade were believed to be members of the different units of the military, who had been on their feet hours before the commencement of the event.

    The colorful parade, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, was already in motion when a bit of commotion broke out from behind one of the parties as some security and medical personnel were seen scrambling stretchers to move those who had collapsed for urgent medical attention.

    They were rushed to the tents provided at the square for medical personnel where physicians successfully resuscitated them.

    According to reports, it was not clear whether they were able to return to their duty beats for the continuation of their duties.

    On arrival, President Muhammadu Buhari inspected the parade immediately and was followed by military/police march past in slow and quick time.

    The event also involved combat march display by the Nigerian Army Women Corps as well as the combined silent drill display by the Armed Forces and Police.

    Dignitaries in attendance were former Presiding Officers of the National Assembly, Service Chiefs, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Youth Corps Members and former Cabinet Member under President Yar’Adua, Babagana Kingibe, President Goodluck Jonathan, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

  • APGA gubernatorial candidate seeks support of Benue people

    The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Benue, Mr Joseph Waya, has called on Benue people to join forces with the party to rescue the state from the shackles of poverty, disease and hunger.

    The call is contained in his 2022 Democracy Day message which he personally signed and issued on Sunday in Makurdi.

    “Please join us in APGA, a political party on the rescue mission in Benue. It is not encumbered by political god-fatherism and its leadership will not mortgage your future and that of your children.

    “Instead it will utilise the state funds frugally and judiciously for the benefit of all.

    “You must act by registering to vote in the forthcoming general elections to stop the economic ills visited on us by corrupt politicians for decades,” Waya said.

    He lamented that the country was in danger as it faced many threats that created much anxiety among the citizens.

    He said that the promise of democracy, as well as its rewards, remained pretty much an ideal in Nigeria.

    He also encouraged those in government and those outside of it to graciously cooperate to ensure that the principle of fair play prevailed in the upcoming elections.

    Waya stressed that never in history had the nation suffered a long and sustained economic decline that had shattered many lives.

    “Those who work in government are denied the wages of their labour; those who work on their farms are harmed in their sleep or on their farms and those who are artisans or traders have no patronage because of the penury of the populace.

    “There is no gainsaying that the majority of Nigerians today are in misery and suffering untold indignities.

    “Individuals and families have been stretched to a breaking point by the two political parties that have governed the country in the last two decades.

    “They have failed woefully and we cannot continue with this trend,” he said.

  • NNPP celebrates people who sacrificed their lives to enthrone democracy

    NNPP celebrates people who sacrificed their lives to enthrone democracy

    The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has paid tribute to the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to enthrone democracy in the country.

    The party paid the tribute in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Agbo Major, in Abuja on Sunday.

    Major saluted Nigerians on the occasion of the occasion of 2022 Democracy Day.

    He said that Nigeria was irrevocably placed on the path of democratic governance after years of military dictatorship, civil war and political upheavals that threatened the nation’s corporate existence.

    He, however, said that the 2022 Democracy Day called for sober reflection, prayers and collective action to terminate social injustice.

    He said that it also called for collective efforts to end marginalisation, terrorism, insurgency, militancy, kidnapping, hunger, unemployment, poor infrastructure and resolution of issues that led to the elongated ASUU strike.

    He, however, said that the forthcoming general election provided citizens an opportunity to take their corporate destiny into their hands and massive vote for a new, better, greater and prosperous Nigeria, whoch he said NNPP symbolised.

    “It is time for action. All eligible voters should quickly go and register and obtain their permanent voter cards, ensure they vote and their votes count in the overall result as power belongs to the people.

    “This is the only way to restore the nation’s unity, greatness, prosperity and dignity in the comity of nations.

    “We are all in it together to usher in a New Nigeria citizens will be proud of,” Major said.

  • God’s hands never too short to deliver Nigeria from challenges – SGF

    Mr Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), says the hands of God are never too short to deliver Nigeria from whatever challenges it may be going through.

    He made the assertion at the 2022 Democracy Day interdenominational church service, held at the Abuja Christian Centre on Sunday, where he represented Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    “We assure ourselves that the hands of God are never too short to deliver, and that his grace would always prevail for our good.

    “Equally important is that we also assure ourselves that no matter how challenging the situation or moment might be, there is always enough God-given strength within us as a people to surmount them.

    “Nigerians have always risen to the occasion; when it mattered most, we rose to the occasion when colonial powers subjugated our people and lorded over our resources.

    “We rose to the occasion, following the ravages of a civil war to rebuild a united country, no matter how imperfect, we rose to the occasion,” he said.

    The SGF added that the country also rose when military dictatorships pushed us to the age of extinction and negotiated our way into a democratic government.

    This, he said, provided a platform for us to build a country we could all be proud of, adding that we had come this far because of the collaboration of all.

    He extended President Muhammadu Buhari”s gratitude to the body of Christ for its stabilising role in the growth of the county’s democracy.

    “I believe an interdenominational gathering of this sort is an important way to mark this special anniversary of our nation’s democracy.

    “Largely because the values of justice, equality, fairness and inclusion, which underpin democratic governance are also at the heart of our Christian faith.

    “A day like this set aside to commemorate Nigeria’s transition from military rule to democratic governance gives us an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a people. It invites sobriety and gratitude,” he said.

    Mustapha said that the day allowed Nigerians to remember the decades characterised by lack of freedom, suspicion, and uncertainty and calls to mind the prayers, faith as well as the courageous actions.

    He urged people to therefore see the day as a day for gratitude and hope, and a day to remind ourselves that what was once thought impossible of Nigeria had been made possible.

    The SGF expressed optimism that with unity, all hands being on deck, there would be light at the end of the tunnel, in spite of the country’s challenges.

    “It is possible for joy to overcome sorrow, it is possible for peace to prevail, it is possible for us to be re-united, irrespective of our cultural, linguistic, religious or even ideological differences.

    “Jesus said to the crowd in Luke, Chapter 12, verse 54, when you see a cloud rising in the West, immediately you will say it’s going to rain.

    “And it does and of course we have seen the rain coming over Nigeria, reign of peace and prosperity, one which like the goodness of God touches everyone, no matter who or where they are.

    “Today, let us be rest assured in the promise and possibilities of Nigeria, we have the talent and the resources to be a beacon of hope and standard bearer for the rest of Africa and the block grace,” he said.

    Mustapha said that as a country, we had been progressively moving, proving that we had what it took to run an open, honest and transparent government that guarantees the rule of law.

    He added that the Federal Government had showed that it could lift 100 million people out of poverty and guarantee equal access to education and opportunities for our women.

    He said the government had also brought into fruition the most comprehensive social welfare programme for the poor and vulnerable in our society.

    “We know the challenges, we live with them, but we also know and we have seen in the worlds of hold apostle that in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

    “And of course, our nation will continue its long but steady march toward the fulfillment of his goal.

    “I believe you are as persuaded as I am, because we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose,” he said.

    Mustapha assured that the government was working towards the emergence of a stronger, united, peaceful and economically prosperous Nigeria.

    Recall that from 1999, Nigeria had consistently celebrated Democracy Day.

    The day is used to mark the end of military rule, and the return of power and control to the hands of those freely elected by the people to represent them in government.

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Buhari-led federal government in 2018, moved Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12, the day the election that launched Nigeria into democracy took place.

    The June 12, 1993, general election was acclaimed the freest election in the country’s political history, though the presumed winner, Chief Moshood Abiola, and Nigerians were denied their rights and choice of leadership.

    This was because the election was consequently annulled on June 24, same year, by the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida military administration.

    The service was attended by members of the diplomatic communities and heads of government agencies, among others.

  • Democracy Day: Nigeria will make progress despite challenges – Dafinone

    Democracy Day: Nigeria will make progress despite challenges – Dafinone

    Chief Ede Dafinone, the Delta Central Senatorial District candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has said Nigeria will make progress despite the challenges the country is faced with.

    Chief Dafinone made this known while urging Nigerians as the country marks another Democracy Day to remember those who made sacrifices to enthrone democracy beyond the party level in the country.

    Dafinone, a renowned chartered accountant said though Nigerians in the last 23 years of unbroken democratic governance have had their battles as individuals and as a people, have continued to believe in the process and its institutions.

    The Okpe Chief in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, praised all those who have contributed in one way or the other to deepen the country’s democracy, noting though we are not where we are supposed to be, certainly we have made progress in the democratic journey as a nation.

    Dafinone in his Democracy Day statement said “In the past 23 years we have collectively demonstrated that as a people and a nation, we have embraced Democracy as a form of government like every civilized nation.

    “Though we have had our challenges as a people, we have continued to believe in the process and its institutions, and with time, we will progress through the learning curve to attain the status of a free democratic nation.

    “So, I must congratulate Nigerians and Deltans for the gains of these 23 years, for not allowing our differences to take the shine off us and for refusing to give up in despair. This is a big testimony to our courage as a people united by one destiny.

    “To my people of Delta State and especially the good people of Delta Central, I praise your steadfastness to democratic ideals, as we march on, I enjoin you to participate in the democratic process by electing credible people to take the Urhobo nation and Delta State to our desired place amongst the community of the nation.

    “In our prayers, let’s remember the masses who stood to resist military rule, and continue to be strong in entrenching democracy; by ensuring that we deepen our democracy so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

    “I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari, the Deputy Senate President, Barr Ovie Omo-Agege, the National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, Delta State Chairman of APC, Engr. Omeni Sobotie on the occasion of this year’s Democratic day, and on the successful conduct of party primaries across the nation”.

  • Democracy Day: Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun releases 40 inmates

    As part of activities to mark the June 12 Democracy day, Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has approved the reversal of prisoners on death row to life imprisonment and also released 40 inmates who have exhibited good attitude while in prison.

     

    Abiodun made the pronouncement on Sunday while speaking at the June 12 commemorative anniversary and Nigeria’s Democracy Day, held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

    He explained that the committal to life imprisonment and release of the convicted inmates is in accordance with the provisions of Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended) and Sections 4 and 5 of the Ogun State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (Establishment Law), Laws of Ogun State 2006.

    However, Abiodun urged Nigerians to take a cue from the 1993 general elections adjudged free and fair to make the forthcoming elections a thing of pride.

    He thereafter advocated stringent punishment for violators of due process in elections, declaring that
    people’s ballots  must count and be respected at the polls.

    The governor noted that the struggles of June 12 as orchestrated by late MKO Abiola gave birth to the seamless democracy Nigeria has enjoyed in the last 29 years, emphasising that “only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability that we can truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for”.

    The governor appealed to the people of Ogun and Nigerians entirely to freely exercise their franchise, adding that for the 2023 general elections to be a huge success, every eligible Nigerian must register to vote and actually take part in voting on the day of election.

     

    “While it is heart-warming to note that in the last 29 years, we have enjoyed seamless civilian-to-civilian transition, it is only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability that we can truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for. People’s ballots must count and be respected, while violators of due process in elections ought to be dealt the full wrath of the law.

    “If the ideals matter to us, religion and ethnicity too should not become campaign issues or determinants of who gets what, when, how in our body-politic or become primary considerations in our leadership recruitment and governance processes. I can envision how these Nigerians who gave their all would be cringing in their graves seeing us celebrating divisive vices and our do-or-die politicking”, the governor stated.

    He urged political leaders and followers to keep hope and fairplay alive in democracy, tasking them to fashion a way to ensure that will make democracy in Nigeria a means to an end, not an end in itself.

    Abiodun further charged Nigerians to internalise democratic values and tenets of the late MKO Abiola and other heroes and heroines on democratic principles and practices.

    “Our schools should teach them and we should hold them in our hearts and not our mouths. We labour in vain if we claim to have laid the ghost of June 12 to rest as long as Nigeria still experiences banditry, insurgency and ethnic champions still hold sway. Rather than all these, we should restore our country back to true federalism and ensure that powers are properly devolved”, he added.

    The governor, however, assured that his administration would continue to deliver on its electoral promises and fulfill the dreams of Ogun founding fathers.

    “As our administration is in the final year of our first term in office, we will not drop the baton. We will continue to deliver on our mandate. In fact, the people of Ogun State should expect a faster pace in the actualization of our electoral promises. We are determined that Ogun State shall fulfill the dreams of our founding fathers.

    “As we reflect on the unquantifiable, selfless sacrifice and contributions of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other democratic legends towards the development of our fatherland, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to the service and unity of our great nation. Beyond this celebration, I enjoin you all to shun all acts that could be an albatross against the democratic success we have made and continued to sustain in our dear State in the last 36 months. This is the only way we can make progress and achieve our collective dream”. Abiodun submitted.