Politics

By Olubunmi Adewumi

On 29th of May, 1999, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, was sworn in as the President of Nigeria after winning the Presidential election to mark a return to democracy in the country.

The day known as Democracy day has been celebrated every year until 2018 when the then President, Muhammadu Buhari changed the celebration to June 12 of every year to honour the acclaimed winner of 1993 Presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola.

This year’s celebration will mark one year in office of President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office on the 29th of May, 2023.

The federal government had in April, inaugurated a 28-man inter-ministerial committee on activities to mark the celebration of the one year in office of President Tinubu.

Politics

By Mosope Kehinde

A professor of Political Science, University of Ibadan, Professor Dhikrihulai Yagboyaju says the Nigeria’s democratic system is moving steadily towards consolidation.

Professor Yagboyaju made this known while speaking with Premier FM on the sidelines of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

He said with the past experiences on previous elections and transition of governments since 1999, it was obvious that the nation’s democratic setting is getting more organized.

Professor Yagboyaju also called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensure that the sacrifices of heroes of democracy are not jettisoned, by ensuring the delivery of dividends of democracy to Nigerians.

He equally appealed to the legislature and judiciary to uphold the principles of democracy in the discharge of their duties.

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Politics

President Bola Tinubu has promised to respect the dictates of the Nigerian Constitution and as well compensate citizens for their sacrifice arising from subsidy removal.

Mr President stated this on Monday during his address to the nation in commemoration of June 12, also known as Democracy Day.   

Below is the full text of the speech.

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

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.

Culled/Punch/Simeon Ugobodovon

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Politics

President Bola Tinubu will on Monday June 12, address Nigerians in commemoration of Democracy Day.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Friday while addressing a world press conference in Abuja, to unveil the programmes for this year’s Democracy Day.

According to Akume, this year’s celebration would be on low-key, owing to the fact that the nation just came out of an elaborate Presidential Inauguration Programme.

“It is important to note that the Democracy Day has been reviewed to be celebrated annually from May, 29 to June 12 to honour the heroes who championed the struggle and made extra-ordinary sacrifice for the enthronement of the democratic rule in Nigeria from 1999 till date”. he noted.

“However, May 29 remains the date or anniversary of handing over power, and this happens every four (4) years according to the Nigerian Constitution. “To commemorate this year’s anniversary, it is expedient for citizens and foreigners alike to take stock of how the nation has fared so far.

It is in light of this that the theme of this year’s Democracy celebration is ‘Hope Reassured’. “It is pertinent to state that having had an elaborate Presidential inauguration this year.

“Presidential Broadcast, Monday, 12th June, 2023, 7:00am. “The events will be broadcast live on all major stations and streamed on various social media platforms” Akume stated.

Julian Osamoto

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Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday attended a 2022 Democracy Day Parade at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

The parade is an annual exercise held in honour of the nation’s return to civil rule and heroes of democracy.

The arrival of the president signalled the official kick-off of the exercise, in Abuja.

Buhari, who arrived at the venue at 10:12 am, was received by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and the State Chief of Protocol, Lawal Kazaure.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were among the dignitaries that graced the annual Democracy Day celebration.

The APC flag-bearer, Tinubu was accompanied by his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, his son, Seyi Tinubu and former Minister of State, Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

Also in attendance were the Senate President, Senator Ahmad Lawan; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Idris Wase.

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, equally graced the event.

A former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babagana Kingibe, who doubled as the running mate to the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, was also at the event.

The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, service chiefs, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, captains of industry, including students, were also present.

Others were the members of the National Assembly and members of the diplomatic corps.

President Buhari inspected the guards and signed the anniversary register.

Abdullahi Lamino

Security

Sunday is a notable day in the Christian calendar as the faithful gather in churches for services.

However, this is not the case for some residents of Ota, Ogun State this Sunday, June 12 as some of them prefer to stay within the confine of their homes for personal communion with God rather than go for church service.

 This was due to the security situation in the country as gathered by our correspondent, especially with the day being June 12.
 

 Two residents of Ota, MrAdesegun Ayomide and Mr. Tosin Lawal noted that the recent attack in Owo coupled with different news on social media created uncertainties about events Democracy Day could trigger, which influenced their decisions.

Some residents, however, urged Federal Government to do more in tackling the insecurity ravaging the country as people these days go about their daily activities in the fear of the unknown.

Abimbola Bamgbose/Simeon Ugbodovon

Politics

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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defence assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.
  22. 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.
  23. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Security

The Nigeria Police, Oyo State Command has assured residents of the state of a hitch-free and peaceful Democracy Day.

Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Sp. Adewale Osifeso made this known in a statement.

The Statement says the Command will embark on purposeful proactive policing on Sunday, June 12, 2022, and will as well commence high-octane visibility patrols through the nook and cranny of the State in line with its statutory mandate of protecting lives and property.

It states that the steps being taken are in furtherance of already established routine intelligence-led stop and search, convoy patrols, visibility patrols, and coordinated surveillance activities with the purpose of asserting presence, availability, and readiness to deal decisively with any peace threatening advances. 

The Statement appeals to parents, guardians, and leaders in various capacities of influence to warn their wards or protégées against acts that can scuttle the relative peace being enjoyed in the State. 

It assures residents of comprehensive and robust security coverage day, urging people to go about their duties without the fear of molestation or harassment within and beyond the period.

PR/Rasheeda Makinde

Lifestyle

The Ondo State Government has canceled this year’s June 12 democracy day celebration.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, Richard Olatunde, says this is due to the terror attack on worshipers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, on Sunday 5th June 2022.

It says the decision was to enable the entire people of Ondo State to mourn their loved ones who died in the horrific attack.

Meanwhile, flags are still being flown at half-mast for seven days in honour of the victims of the attack.

Isaac Afolabi/Adeniyi Bakare

Politics

President Muhammadu Buhari will address the nation via a live broadcast on Sunday, June 12, 2022.


Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who made this known in a statement said the President’s broadcast will center on Democracy day, which is marked every 12th of June.


The broadcast will begin at seven o’clock in the morning.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Politics

Some youths in Akure, Ondo State capital on Saturday staged a peaceful protest in commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day.

The youths in their numbers took to the street to join their counterparts across the country to demand good governance as well as an urgent end to insecurity.

They converged on Post Office Junction in the state capital holding placards with various inscriptions, stating their demands.

Similarly, Youths in Ondo Town also took to the streets in their hundreds chanting various songs which focused on demand for good governance.

The youths later converged on the popular Yaba Police Station where they were addressed before dispersing.

Adebukola Bardi

Politics

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has urged Nigerians to refrain from actions and utterances that can hurt the unity of the country. 

Governor Akeredolu in his goodwill message on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, said the nation could not afford to undermine the huge sacrifices it had made to come this far, having nurtured democracy for 22 years unbroken.

He observed that though the nation had its challenges, the only way to overcome them was by collectively confronting them without coloration or sentiments.

The governor urged Nigerians to promote unity and peace always even as he encouraged them to shun divisive elements who were determined to instigate citizens against themselves.

Governor Akeredolu assured the people of Ondo state of his administration’s commitment to continue to deliver dividends of good governance to them wherever they live. 

Adebukola Bardi

Politics

The speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, says the vision of the founding fathers of Nigeria shall not be in vain in spite of the recent insecurity challenges.

The speaker in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Kunle Alabi to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day called on all lovers of peace and freedom to rise against insecurity, a menace that is eaten deep in almost every part of the country.

He admonished people fanning the embers of discord to have a rethink, saying an unsecured atmosphere has nothing good to offer other than economic regression, environmental problems and conflict in the social structure.

Mr. Owoeye stressed that a country envisioned by the founding fathers is possible if Nigerians are patriotic, and politicians go into politics with the mindset to serve with all sincerity.

The speaker urged Nigerians to stand up in support of one indivisible country where all tribes and ethnic groups will flourish and attain its potentials.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF and Ekiti State governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi wants leaders across the nation to instill confidence of a better Nigeria in the citizenry.

In a message to mark the second anniversary of June Twelve as national Democracy Day, Governor Fayemi explained that the significance of the celebration was to learn, teach and achieve a new Nigeria where the fault lines no longer matters.

He called for new conversation around democracy that would hold the promise of better life for all Nigerians, irrespective of culture, race, religious beliefs and political affiliations.

The Ekiti State governor who affirmed that a better Nigeria was possible noted that many known and unknown rights fighters have died as martyrs of democracy.

Governor Fayemi urged Nigerians irrespective of culture to join hands and make the country work for better greatness.

He observed that one of the things President Muhammadu Buhari would be remembered for after his tenure in office was the rightful placement of June Twelve in the national dairy as the symbol of struggle for the enthronement of democratic settings in Nigeria.

Governor Fayemi said the symbolic gesture of Mr President had brought accountability and relief for the people who suffered brutality during the regime of General Sani Abacha.

Oriola Afolabi

Politics

Following the Democracy Day address delivered by President Muhammadu Buhari, some Nigerians have reacted to the various socioeconomic issues addressed by the president.

Reacting to the determination of the president to deal with gender violence through the instrumentality of the security force, a gender, environmental and water resources manager, Professor Grace Oloukoi said it was not enough to attack the menace through security officers, but silence of victims must be addressed while perpetrators should be brought to book to serve as deterrent to others.

In his opinion, an Ibadan-based digital expert, Mr Tunji Olagboye said the president’s decision to improve the digital economy was in order, noting that the Covid-19 pandemic which had increased the need for online conferencing and online education attested to the need to improve the sector.

The experts appealed to the president to work towards the resolution of other issues mentioned in his address.

Rotimi Famakin

News Analysis

May 29 has always been known as Democracy Day in Nigeria but on June 6 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari changed the date to June 12 of every year as the new democracy day.

President Buhari explained that June 12 is more suitable as democracy day because of its place in the nation’s history. It was on that date in 1993 that the late Bashorun Moshood Abiola won the presidential election under the Babangida transition programme.

The president noted that correcting injustice is a pre-requisite for peace and unity and as part of the process of healing and reconciliation, the president approved the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day and honoured the late Chief Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR, and Babagana Kingibe with Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.

On poll day, Nigerians irrespective of their tribe and religion thronged the polling booths to exercise their franchise.

With no disruption whatsoever, the umpire, led by Professor Humphrey Nwosu, was up and doing. The poll became a model for other countries to emulate.

Till date, Nigerians are still awaiting the results, a winner emerged but, the result of the election was annulled by the military government headed by Ibrahim Babangida.

With the annulment and the urge to actualize the mandate, the country witnessed wanton destruction of lives and property, people who are perceived to be the enemies of government are put behind bars.

It is commendable President Buhari’s gesture to declare June 12 every year as democracy day.

It is time for the country to adopt such a day to celebrate the values of democracy and for the citizens to salute their courage and doggedness to have democracy enshrined in Nigeria.

By marking the day, it should serve as a reminder to people who contributed to the annulment of the mandate that Nigerians have chosen democracy as the preferred political system of governance.

This is also a pointer to people like the former chairman of National Electoral Commission, Professor Humpreh Nwosu and other patriotic citizens that their sacrifice is not in vain.

The day also indicates that Nigerians will also be encouraging their compatriots, who are so inclined, to always tread the noble path of patriotism in any matter that concerns Nigeria.

In addition, it is an opportunity for all such acts of injustice hanging on Nigeria to be addressed, and all found guilty to be made to face the full wrath of the law. 

It is also a lesson to workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, that the phrase “credible, free and fair elections is neither a political slogan but a fact that should be done with sound mind, truth and conviction. 

Thus, the task to electoral managers to conduct free and fair elections should be seen as both a national assignment and a spiritual exercise.

 The triumph of June 12 is also a lesson to politicians who take up political positions primarily for immediate gratification, that a people’s mandate openly or secretly stolen would, with time, be recovered. 

Leadership demands courage to take the right decisions even if such decisions go against one’s moral preferences. If leaders stick to principles in their actions, time will prove them right. 

Fawzeeyah Kasheem

News

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, 2020 as public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola who made the declaration congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad for the entrenchment of democratic rule in the country.

He commended the heroes of democracy for their dogged determination and sacrifice which eventually birthed Democratic Governance in Nigeria.

Aregbesola called on all Nigerians to continue to cherish the selfless efforts and collaborate with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to ensure the realization of the democratic ideals which these Patriots fought for, even at the cost of their lives.

The Minister, who reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to battling the scourge of COVID-19 with the cooperation of all Nigerians, advised them further, to take responsibility for stopping the spread of the virus.

He reiterated the need for all Nigerians to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.

He wishes all Nigerians at home and abroad a Happy Democracy Day Celebration.

Signed

Georgina Ehuriah, MON, NPOM

Permanent Secretary,

Ministry of Interior

June 8, 2020