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Tag: Democracy Day

  • June 12: Sani berates president Buhari over democracy day speech

    Former lawmaker and  sociopolitical activist, Shehu Sani who represented Kano Central district  has criticized president Buhari over his 2022 democracy day speech.

    Sani posited that Buhari’s speech has been the same, full of “promises with delivering”.

    According to Sani, the President’s speech is coated with empty promises just as those of previous years

    One of the key points of Buhari’s speech was when the President said he lived daily in grief and worry over victims of terrorists attacks in Nigeria and this was not the first time he has expressed grief over the security situation of the country with little or nothing done to bring it under control.

    Buhari concluded his speech, being his very last as President, by further assuring of his commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.

    He also promised Nigerians a free, fair and transparent electoral process come 2023.

    And in reacting, the former lawmaker, who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the Senate, tweeted, “The President’s democracy day speech is not different from all his previous speeches, other than this one is the last; full of assurances and promises and empty in delivery.

    Anyway,this time he was shy to blame ‘16 years of misrule’.”

  • The ultimate goal of democracy is to improve lives of the people – Sanwo-Olu

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stated that the ultimate goal of democracy is to improve the lives of the people.

    Sanwo-Olu said this in his Democracy Day message on Sunday.

    He said that since 1999, successive governments in Lagos state had worked hard to meet the yearnings of the people, who had consistently given them their mandate.

    ”The ultimate goal of a democracy is to improve the lives of the people. As your elected government, we do not take this responsibility lightly at all.

    ”We are grateful to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for kickstarting this journey and laying the foundation for a truly modern and prosperous Lagos state.

    ”In education, healthcare, housing, transport, environment, technology, security, and many other areas, Lagos has continued to live up to its ”pacesetter” status,” he said.

    The governor said that as the present administration begun the final year of its first term in office, the focus would be on completing the many laudable programmes and projects it started.

    According to him, even as this period will overlap with campaign season, the people of Lagos state can rest assured that government will never allow politicking to get in the way of governance.

    He said that the work for a “Greater Lagos” would continue, even as the administration sought for the mandate for a new term in office.

    Sanwo-Olu thanked his cabinet members, the Lagos State Civil Service; Traditional Rulers, and the leadership of the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), for their immense dedication to the vision of a Greater Lagos.

    ”On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day 2022, we celebrate all your efforts and commitment to the development of Lagos state, and to the strengthening of our democratic ideals.

    ”Let me also thank the leadership and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for providing a platform for the manifestation of truly progressive ideas and solutions.

    ”To all Lagosians, our entrepreneurs, students, workers, homemakers, transport and market unions, religious and civic leaders, members of the civil society, and everyone else, thank you for your support,” he said.

    He urged redidents of the state to allow Democracy Day be a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build a solid future.

    “Twenty-nine years ago on this day, Nigerians trooped enthusiastically to the polls, defying stereotypes of ethnicity and religion to prove to ourselves and the world that a new Nigeria is possible.

    ”Regrettably, the powers-that-be at the time truncated that dream. But it was merely a delay, not a denial.

    ”We have since been blessed with a new opportunity to build on the hope and the potential of June 12, 1993. That responsibility is now in our hands, and posterity will not forgive us if we squander it,” he said.

  • Gov. Mohammed says democracy is the best system of government

    Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has stated that Democracy is the best system of government.

    This was contained in a goodwill message to mark the 2022 Democracy Day, in Bauchi on Sunday.

    Speaking on Democracy, gov. Bala said it gives the people the right to choose who to govern them and how they want to be governed.

    He added that it is this democratic right of choice that makes governments accountable to the people and make them liable to be voted out for incompetence.

    “It is my pleasure to address you today on the occasion of the 2022 Democracy Day to mark the 23rd anniversary of the return of our great country, Nigeria to democratic rule.

    “As you all know, Democracy Day used to be observed annually on May 29. The Federal Government changed the date to June 12 in 2018, however, in honour of late Chief MKO Abiola.

    “Abiola was the acclaimed winner of the presidential election of June 12, 1993, an election annulled by the then military government.

    “That we are today celebrating the 23rd Democracy Day is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    Gov. Mohammed, who highlighted some of the achievements of his administration since inception, reiterated its commitment to the provision of more dividends of democracy for people of the state.

    He called on the people of Bauchi State to continue to support and cooperate with his government to enable it to deliver more dividends of democracy.

  • Buhari to Candidates: Treat your opponents with dignity

    Buhari to Candidates: Treat your opponents with dignity

    President Muhammadu Buhari has urged political parties candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity, saying politics should never be seen as ”do-or-die” affair.

    The president made the appeal in his 2022 Democracy Day broadcast to the nation on Sunday in Abuja.

    The Nigerian leader commended the leaderships of the nation’s political parties for the smooth conduct of their parties’ primary elections.

    ”I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue-focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity.

    ”As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance.

    ”The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers,” he said.

    The president particularly noted with delight the significant increase in women and youth participation in the primaries, saying this trend should be sustained and improved upon in forthcoming electoral exercises, inluding the 2023 general elections.

    ”Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth, particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development.

    ”This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years.

    ”As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a ‘do-or-die’ affair.

    ”We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers,” he maintained.

    The Nigerian leader reassured voters that adequate measures had been put in place to safeguard their votes during the forthcoming elections in the country.

    He said his administration had made significant investments to reform and enhance nation’s electoral laws, systems and processes to safeguard their votes.

    The president, therefore, expressed the commitment of the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary to ensure the successful implementation of the ongoing reforms of the electoral laws.

    ”For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, has made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems and processes to safeguard your votes.

    ”The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary were and still remain united and committed to ensure these reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections.

    ”Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected.”

  • 2023: Again, Buhari pledges free, fair, transparent electoral process

    2023: Again, Buhari pledges free, fair, transparent electoral process

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday reassured Nigerians that he would ensure a free, fair and transparent electoral process in the country.

    The president stated this in a nationwide broadcast as part of the activities to mark the 2022 Democracy Day in Abuja,

    ”I am also promising you a free, fair and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation,” the president said.

    Buhari also expressed his administration’s commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.

    The president revealed that the Federal Government had reformed the nation’s security structure with the hope of achieving the desired goals.

    ”I know many of us are concerned with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country.

    ”As a government, we are working hard to contain and address these challenges. And ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.

    ”To achieve this however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of government alone.

    ”I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies.

    ”We can only have a safe country if we are able to prevent crime not after the crime has been committed,” he said.

    Buhari called on citizens to offer special prayers for all victims of terrorist activities across the country.

    He said: ”On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers.

    ”I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping.

    ”I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.”

    Buhari further disclosed that the nation’s cyber security and surveillance systems had been upgraded to further enhance the ability to track and trace criminal elements across the country.

    He said: ”We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.

    ”Our cyber security and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements.”

    The president annouced that the Federal Government had also embarked on recruiting and training new personnel across all the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s over-all security.

    On those who had lost their lives as a result of the daredevil activities of terrorists and other criminals, the president pledged that his administration would continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators.

    He enjoined all citizens to support, unite and cooperate with security agencies in the ongoing fight against agents of terror and destruction in the country.

    ”For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators.

    ”For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice.

    ”If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.”

  • President Buhari’s Speech on 2022 Democracy Day

    President Buhari’s Speech on 2022 Democracy Day

    ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF COMMEMORATION AND CELEBRATION OF DEMOCRACY DAY

    12TH JUNE, 2022

    Fellow Nigerians, Today, June The 12th, marks another Democracy Day anniversary and an occasion to celebrate freedom and unity of our Nation.

    2.           From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.

    3.           In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice.

    4.           On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled.

    5.           We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in future.

    6.           Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.

    7.           It is important for all of us to remember that June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 Presidential elections. In honour and memory of one of our national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner.

    8.           I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive. Recently, all registered political parties conducted primaries to select their candidates for the 2023 general elections.

    9.           These primaries were peaceful and orderly. Those who won were magnanimous in their victories. Those who lost were gracious in defeat. And those aggrieved opted to seek judicial justice as opposed to jungle justice.

    10.       I followed the party primaries closely from the state level to the Presidential level. I was very impressed to see across all the political parties that, most candidates ran issued based campaigns. The language and tone throughout were on the whole measured and controlled.

    11.       Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development. This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years.

    12.       As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers.

    13.       I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers.

    14.       For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, has made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems, and processes to safeguard your votes.

    15.       The Executive, Legislature and Judiciary were and still remain united and committed to ensure these reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections. Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected.

    16.       I know many of us are concerned with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country. As a government, we are working hard to contain and address these challenges. And ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.

    17.       To achieve this however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of government alone. I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies. We can only have a safe country if we are able to prevent crime not after the crime has been committed.

    18.       On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers.  I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely.

    19.       For those who have lost their lives, we will continue to seek justice for their families against the perpetrators. For those currently in captivity, we will not stop until they are freed, and their kidnappers are brought to justice. If we all unite, we will be victorious against these agents of terror and destruction.

    20.       We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.

    21.       Our cyber security and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements. We are also recruiting and training new personnel across all our security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s over-all security.

    22.       I will conclude this Democracy Day speech, my last as President, by assuring you of my commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside.

    23.       I am also promising you a free, fair and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with Government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

    24.       God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • Democracy Day: Tinubu speaks on lessons of June 12 for Nigeria

    The Former Governor of Lagos State, Sen. Bola Tinubu has said the democratic election of MKO Abiola on June 12, 1993 provides vital and reassuring lessons to Nigeria today.

    Tinubu made this known as the country marks this year’s Democracy Day, stressing that the spirit of June 12 would expand to become the spirit of Nigeria and national greatness of their dreams.

    Tinubu, the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election, made this known in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Tunde Rahman, in Lagos on Saturday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Federal Government had declared Monday as a public holiday to mark the event.

    Recall that June 12 was declared democracy day by the present administration to celebrate Chief MKO Abiola’s victory in the presidential election of June 12, 1993.

    Tinubu prayed that Nigerians from all walks of life and all parts of the country should unite to build a more industrious and peaceful society such that all Nigerians might enjoy a greater future.

    The presidential candidate said this occasion also compels Nigerians to again thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his successful efforts to name June 12 as Democracy Day for their beloved republic.

    The former governor said on this Democracy Day, he will dedicate himself and his upcoming campaign to the spirit of June 12 and what it best symbolises for today’s Nigeria.

    He said: “Just like democracy finally won against dictatorship, I know that prosperity shall overcome poverty, peace shall outlast violence, compassion will conquer hatred and good will defeat evil.

    “Justice, security and economic development will visit and reside in every hamlet, household, village, and city in our nation.

    “The spirit of June 12 shall expand to become the spirit of Nigeria and our national greatness and destiny.

    “My prayer, on this day, is that people from all walks of life and all parts of the country unite to build a more industrious and peaceful society such that all Nigerians may enjoy a greater future.”

    Tinubu noted that on this day, Nigerians will be celebrating democracy and commemorating those who had sacrificed so much to establish this most benign and noble form of governance in the land.

    The former governor added that Nigerians should never treat this day as just another holiday on the yearly calendar.

    According to him, “we must remember why June 12 is Democracy Day and why all Nigerians should honour it.”

    He noted that the June 12, 1993 election would remain the freest and fairest election Nigeria had experienced up to that moment and it yet remains as one of the best elections the nation had seen.

    Tinubu said a new way has come to the country even though the present democracy would not have been established without greater struggle, adding that dictatorship would not recede willingly and without struggles.

    “The annulment compelled the nation into an epic struggle of democracy versus dictatorship, choice versus coercion, and people versus power.

    “In this confrontation between a bright future and bleak past, goodness and the belief that we can become our better selves triumphed over cynicism and the blatant disregard of a powerful few for the collective welfare of the many.

    “Democracy won but it did so at a high price. The man who should have been president lost his life while suffering in an unlawful detention. Other democratic patriots suffered the same fate.

    “Lives and livelihoods were endangered and shattered. But the love of the human spirit for freedom and justice is unstoppable.

    “No amount of weaponry, no measure of suppressive force and no amount of propaganda can no longer restrain the cry for liberty and the rightful demand for a voice in how society is governed.

    “That election, though almost 30 years ago, provides vital and reassuring lessons to Nigeria today,” he said.

    The APC presidential candidate said first, it showed that Nigerians were capable of democratic excellence and conducting elections as good as anywhere else on earth.

    Tinubu noted that secondly, Abiola won a truly national mandate, his victory and mandate, though unfairly and unlawfully stolen, showed Nigeria’s unity was not an impractical dream.

    According to him, “although we are diverse in terms of ethnicity and religion, we all seek good governance, a better life and the positive things that result from sustained good governance.

    The former governor said this year’s democracy Day holds greater significance because they just concluded fair, transparent, and open primaries in his party.

    Tinubu congratulated all the other candidates for their nominations and their parties for doing their part to sustain democratic processes as the mainstay of their political life.

    He said APC was able to conduct a successful primary election due to the good leadership of President Buhari, and key party stakeholders like the governors, party leadership and the delegates.

    Tinubu said God bless Nigeria, praying that the souls of the martyrs of June 12 and the democratic struggle continue to rest in peace.

  • FG declares Monday June 13th public holiday to mark democracy day

    Monday June 13th has been declared a public holiday by the Federal Government to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy day which usually falls on June 12.

    This year’s  democracy day ,June 12 falls on a Sunday and FG declared the day after as a public holiday.

    The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made this known in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr M. L. Shuaib Belgore, on Thursday.

    Aregbesola congratulated Nigerians and appeal to  all citizens to support the present administration in its efforts at ensuring a secured, united and prosperous nation.

    Aregbesola urged Nigerians to use the occasion of the democracy day  to reflect on the long journey the country has made towards the enthronement of civil democratic order, before Independence in 1960.

    “As we mark another Democracy Day in the history of our dear country, let us reflect on the efforts of our founding fathers and ensure that Nigeria remains one united, secured, peaceful and an indivisible entity, noting that no development can take place in an acrimonious environment.

    “With the challenges we face in Nigeria today, I see an opportunity for us not to break up or break down, but to break open; open up to ourselves in truth so that we may appreciate each other, understand each other, honour each other and live together in peace and prosperity,” Aregbesola was quoted as saying.

    Aregbesola also appealed to Nigerians to keep faith with democracy, adding that it’s still the best of government, saying alternatives to democracy has proven to be very disastrous and ruinous to the country,

    “There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

  • MKO Abiola’s son urges Buhari to investigate father’s death

    MKO Abiola’s son urges Buhari to investigate father’s death

    Mr Abdul Abiola, one of the sons of the late Chief MKO Abiola has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of his father.

    The young Abiola said this via his Twitter handle @AbdulMKO on Tuesday.

    He said that it was time for Nigerians to know the truth as to the circumstances that led to the death of his father, adding that the President should look into the archives.

    This, he said, would help the President to unravel the mystery behind the death of the late MKO, stressing that it was only such move that would bring about justice.

    “It’s time for the Nigerian people to know the Truth as to what happened in the post-June 12, 1993 Elections.

    “And also, what led to the death of MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola and other unsung heroes.

    “I urge President Muhammadu Buhari to look into our country archives for justice to prevail,” he said.

    Abiola was the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections but his election was annulled by the then head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    Abiola, however, declared himself as the President in what was called Epetedo declaration, but was subsequently arrested by the government of late Gen. Sani Abacha, the then head of state.

    President Buhari had also posthumously honoured Abiola with GCFR, which is the highest title in the land and the exclusive preserved of the President of Nigeria.

    Buhari also declared June 12 as Democracy Day against May 29 which was the day it was being celebrated before.

  • MKO remains the most acceptable Nigerian democrat – Gov. Mohammed

    MKO remains the most acceptable Nigerian democrat – Gov. Mohammed

    Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has described the late Chief Moshood Abiola, widely believed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential poll, as “the most acceptable democrat cherished by Nigerians”.

    Mohammed said this in Gamawa Local Government Area (LGA) of the state during the distribution of empowerment items to youths and women under the Kaura Economic Empowerment Programme (KEEP).

    He said the empowerment scheme historic as it coincided with Democracy Day which he described as an unforgettable day in the history of Nigeria.

    The governor, who was full of praises for the late business mogul, said Abiola provided the country with a lot of empowerment programmes without considering the tribe, language and geographical location of the beneficiaries.

    “Our launching of this empowerment programne today is historic and passionate; we remember today is democracy day and we decided to do it on this day.

    “This is because Chief Moshood Abiola, who we are celebrating, empowered several people.

    “He did that across board without considering the religion, language and origin of those that benefited from the gestures.

    “Abiola will remain in our memory as the most acceptable democrat or politician in Nigeria.

    “We all voted for him and that is why myself, my deputy and the government decided honour to him this day by coming to Gamawa and Zaki to empower the people,” he said.

    Mohammed noted that democracy day meant remembering people who had empowered the masses, adding that the late Abiola was in that category.

    The gesture, he said, was also to show appreciation to the people who brought his administration to power, adding that his government had a lot to offer to the people.

    The governor urged the people of the state to continue to have confidence in his administration and live in peace with one another.

    “Continue to live in peace, eschew rumour mongering and have confidence in us. We are not here to take away your common resources, we are here to make sure we build resources,” he added.

    Aout 1,200 youths and women received economic strengthening items in Zaki and Gamawa LGAs during the exercise.

    The items distributed included motorcycles, sewing and grinding machines, cars and cooking oil, among others.

    The state government had initiated the N1.5 billion KEEP scheme to empower youths and women across the 20 LGAs in its drive to reduce poverty and enhance wealth creation at the grassroots.