On June 12, Nigerian governors urged citizens to promote democracy and honor those who sacrificed for it. Amid reflections on challenges, unity in democratic processes was a recurring theme. Governors emphasized the importance of safeguarding the hard-won freedoms and recognizing the sacrifices made over the past 26 years of democracy in Nigeria.
June 12 saw Nigerian governors call on citizens to support democracy and honor those who fought for it. In a statement issued by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, led by Kwara State Governor Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, the day was highlighted as pivotal in the nation’s narrative. He urged an alliance with President Bola Tinubu for constructive engagements, acknowledging existing challenges and emphasizing collective efforts to overcome them.
AbdulRazaq noted that despite 26 years of democracy, Nigeria still has hurdles to face: “…like every other human community, has its challenges and aspirations…” Constructive dialogue is pivotal, he asserted, and citizens must rally together. Reflecting on the sacrifices of past leaders, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo encouraged all Nigerians to safeguard their hard-won freedoms. His media statement emphasized the lessons from June 12, 1993, encouraging unity in the quest for democratic ideals.
Kaduna’s Governor Uba Sani echoed sentiments on this significant date, marking the annulment of the June 1993 elections as part of a dark period in Nigeria’s political history. He called for recognition of the sacrifices made by those who paved the way for constitutional democracy, reinforcing that such reflections are essential for honoring their legacies. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, speaking at a cultural event in Abeokuta, highlighted progress made but also pointed to ongoing issues like voter apathy and corruption in electoral processes.
In a lecture, former Attorney General Mutalubi Adebayo pushed for the Independent National Electoral Commission to adopt advanced technologies to enhance electoral integrity. Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged Nigerians to reflect seriously on democratic achievements and the sacrifices made by previous heroes, noting the potentially severe consequences of past political disruptions.
Kogi State’s Usman Ododo affirmed a commitment to democratic values, emphasizing accountability and justice while praising the sacrifices of pro-democracy heroes. He highlighted the importance of unity in celebrating the collective history and struggles of the Nigerian people. Meanwhile, Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri praised Nigeria’s growth over the past 26 years, despite acknowledging threats to human rights and growing divisions throughout the country.
Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji reflected on the respect earned by 26 years of democracy. He emphasized the need to protect the gains made at great cost, particularly recalling the contributions of Chief MKO Abiola and others. In Katsina, Governor Mallam Dikko Radda vowed to lead with transparency and accountability, acknowledging the people’s role in shaping the state’s future through democratic choices.
In summary, Nigerian governors marked June 12 with calls for unity and reflection on the hard-fought battles for democracy in the nation. They drew attention to the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria while emphasizing the importance of honoring past heroes. The sentiments shared underscored a shared responsibility towards preserving democratic values and extending the legacy of those who fought for freedom and progress.
Original Source: punchng.com
