- Sanwo-Olu, others extol Abiola, others
- Abiodun, Mutfwang, Fintri grant amnesty to 59 inmates
State Governors yesterday felicitated Nigerians on Democracy Day celebration and charged them to trust the current democratic process in the country.
Although the governors acknowledged Nigeria’s economic and security challenges, they said there was no doubt that democracy remained the best system of governance.
They recalled the struggle to return the country to civilian rule and paid tributes to the arrowheads like Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12 presidential election, who lost his life trying to claim his mandate.
Generally, activities marking the day were low-key in most of the states, including Osun where Governor Ademola Adeleke suggested a better way to immortalise the June 12 winner. In three states, 59 prisons regained their freedom while two had the death sentences commuted to life imprisonment.
The governors that had activities marking the day were Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Dapo Abiodun(Edo), Godwin Obaseki(Edo), Lucky Aiyedatiwa(Ondo), AbdulRahman AbdulRazak(Kwara), Sheriff Oberevwori(Delta), Hope Uzodimma(Imo) and Peter Mbah(Enugu),
Others are Alex Otti(Abia), Bassey Otu( Cross River), Umo Eno(Akwa Ibom), Francis Nwifuru(Ebonyi), Caleb Mutfwang(Plateau), Hyacinth Alia(Benue), Bala Mohammed(Bauchi), Ahmadu Fintiri(Adamawa) and Dikko Rada (Katsina).
In Lagos where a lecture on the ‘Epetedo Self Declaration’ and 13th National Discourse’ was held, Sanwo-Olu called on Nigerians to cherish and live by the tenets of democracy for the country’s prosperity and progress.
The venue of the lecture titled ‘Converting the Pain of June 12 Election Annulment to Gain of Present Administration’ was the MKO Abiola House in Ikeja. It was organised by the Coalition for a Better Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, represented by Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that ‘as a nation, we must cherish our democracy and be democrats in all we do.’’
He said: ‘’Democracy is not about force but conviction of ideas. So, it is not that my views must always win. It means we must debate it, we must talk about it and must come together to agree about it.”
The governor also said public commentators must speak with the fear of God, be patriotic, love the country, and adhere to the tenets of democracy in order not to destroy the legacy of Abiola and others who paid the ultimate price in the attainment of democracy by the country.
Prayer for Abiola, family, nation in Ogun
The highlight of the event in Ogun State was a prayer session for the late Abiola, his family, the state and the country.
Governor Abiodun, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, charged Nigerians to remain steadfast and trust the current democratic process.
Abiodun, who ordered the release of 41 custodial centre inmates in the state, said that it was a thing of joy that Nigeria has maintained 25 years of unbroken democracy.
He commended the Federal Government for setting aside June 12 every year as Democracy Day to honour Abiola and to celebrate democratic rule.
How Abiola, others can be honoured, by Adeleke
Governor Adeleke of Osun State said the conduct of free and fair elections was the best way to honour the late winner of the June 12 poll and others who fought for the country’s democracy.
”Our best homage to our democratic heroes is our continued upholding of the basic tenets of democracy,” the governor said in a statement yesterday.
In the statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles that paved the way for the return to civil rule in 1999.
Read Also; Zamfara: Coalition praises Supreme Court for upholding democratic processes
He called on other politicians to submit themselves to upholding the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people.
“We cannot on one hand celebrate Democracy Day and on the other hand undermine the democratic machine. We cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections.
“I call on leaders locally and nationally to rededicate ourselves to democratic ideals; the will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats,’’ Adeleke added.
Democracy well, alive, says Aiyedatiwa
At an inaugural lecture series in Akure to mark June 12 in Ondo State. Governor Aiyedatiwa said democracy was well and alive in the country.
He assured the people at the event with the theme “The State of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and the Way Forward,” that he would ‘’sacrifice everything to ensure a better life’’ for all residents of the state.
He said his administration was committed to prioritising the socio-economic welfare of the people, security of life and property as well as engendering enduring wealth creation in the state.
AbdulRazaq, Oborevwori laud 25 years of uninterrupted democracy
In their Democracy Day messages, Governors AbdulRazaq and Oberevwori congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic journey.
AbdulRazaq, who is also, the chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), said it was important that ‘’we honour the memories of the heroes and heroines who bravely struggled for the current democratic dispensation we enjoy as a nation.’’
“It is paramount to uphold their sacrifices by demonstrating patriotism at all times and contributing to developmental efforts that strengthen our democratic experience.
“We may face a few challenges in this journey. We must, however, remain resolute, unbroken, and recommit to the ideals of democracy to build a more prosperous and enduring nation,” the governor stated.
In Asaba, Delta State Governor Oborevwori said Nigerians deserved to celebrate despite the numerous challenges facing the country.
Oborevwori expressed optimism about the growth and eventual flourishing of Nigeria’s democracy, citing enhancements in electoral laws.
He encouraged Nigerians to leverage on the electoral reforms to elect leaders inclined to promote good governance and the well-being of the nation.
“We are grateful that, since 1999, Nigeria has experienced a continuous period of democratic governance, allowing citizens to freely choose their leaders and enjoy the benefits of good governance for the past 25 years, marking a significant milestone in our nation’s history,’’ the governor said.
Renovated Edo secretariat inaugurated
In Edo State, the government inaugurated the renovated state secretariat complex in Benin as part of activities to mark the day.
Obaseki told his guests that included former President Goodluck Jonathan and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN) Mike Ozekhome, that he met the facility in a poor state after his inauguration as governor on 12 November 2016.
Uzodimma: Nigeria on the path of greatness
Imo State Governor Uzodimma said in Owerri, the Imo State capital that Nigeria was headed for irreversible economic growth and greatness.
Uzodimma, who is chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum and South East Governors’ Forum, said despite the challenges associated with the practise of democracy, Nigerians have shown readiness to defend the system and make the best out of it.
He said: “It is a thing of joy that Nigeria and Nigerians are today celebrating 25 years of unbroken Democracy. That means we have come of age and that Democracy as a system of government has come to stay.
I congratulate all Nigerians for this remarkable feat, I use this opportunity to salute our heroes and nationalists whose sweat and blood watered this beautiful system of government that we are enjoying. Because of their various sacrifices, it is now evident that we are on a journey to irreversible economic growth and greatness in the comity of nations.”
Uzodimma urged Nigerians to persevere in the face of global economic challenges and support the policies of the government of President Tinubu.
Otti pays tributes to Abiola, Kudirat, others
Abia State Governor Otti commended Abiola, his wife, Kudirat, and others who paid the supreme price during the struggle for democratic rule in the country.
Otti, in a broadcast to mark June 12, thanked Abia people and other Nigerians for their unyielding faith in democracy, especially in the dark days of military dictatorship.
He said: “Leaders like Chief M. K. O Abiola, GCFR, his dear wife Kudirat, Pa Alfred Rewane, and several other notable and unsung heroes of the democratic struggle offered so much in sacrifice to the campaign for the simple reason that they believed in the promise of democracy.
“They agreed, just like the majority of us today, that it is the most suitable mechanism for harnessing the rich human and material resources of the land for the benefit of present and future generations.
“The most enduring appeal of democracy is not in the promise of El Dorado but in the opportunities it gives adult members of the community to use their votes as instruments of change.’’
Democracy best form of government, says Mbah
Governor Mbah of Enugu State said democracy remains the best form of government in spite of the teething challenges the country is currently facing.
Mbah, who congratulated residents of the state and other Nigerians, described June 12 as a watershed in the nation’s democratic struggle.
He paid tributes to notable Nigerians like President Tinubu, the late Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, and Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, for their contributions to the enthronement of the current democratic dispensation.
The governor said: “As our nation celebrates Democracy Day today, I felicitate with Enugu people and all Nigerians on this momentous milestone in Nigeria’s history.
“June 12 is a watershed moment for our democracy, the protracted struggle for it, and ultimately, the democratic freedoms that we take for granted today.
“So, today is an occasion for us to call to mind the sacrifices of everyone, living or dead, who played diverse roles in ensuring that democracy blossoms in Nigeria.”
Alia, deputy celebrate with a walk
Governor Alia of Benue State and his deputy, Sam Ode, began the day with a democracy walk from Government House to IBB Square in Makurdi, the state capital.
At the park, they inspected a parade mounted by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force before heading back to the Government where Alia made a broadcast to the people of the state.
Alia, who expressed appreciation for the support of the residents, highlighted his administration’s achievements.
He cited infrastructure development, health, education, improved security, and renovation of government buildings as some examples.
He also emphasised his commitment to prudence in governance, saying he has borrowed no funds since assuming office on May 29, last year.
Eno lauds democratic progress
In a congratulatory tweet on X(formerly Twitter) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Eno praised Nigeria’s progress in embracing democratic traditions, norms, and culture.
He emphasised how deeply democratic values have been ingrained in the lives of Nigerians over the past quarter of a century.
Highlighting the nation’s democratic journey and the achievements realised through consistent commitment to democratic principles, the governor acknowledged the importance of cooperation between various arms of government
Eno called on Nigerians to celebrate the nation’s diversity as a source of strength and to continue supporting their leaders.
Nwifuru restates commitment to democratic ideals
Governor Nwifuru said he was committed to the sustenance of democratic ideals and values in the state.
He assured that Ebonyi State under his watch would continue to value the “rule of law, freedom of speech and virile opposition’’ which he said are the bedrock of democracy.
Nwifuru added: “Today is a day set aside to celebrate our nation’s democracy and the associated freedoms we enjoy. I am proud to say that the principles of democracy, equality, justice, and the rule of law” are strictly respected in Ebonyi State under my watch.
“I recognise the contributions of our citizens who have worked to build a more just and equitable society. And I can assure you their sacrifices in enthroning democratic governance will not be forgotten”
“However, I acknowledge the challenges we face, and what is certain is that as a government, we recommit ourselves to addressing them.’’
Otu: Cross River grateful for democracy
Governor Otu, who hailed Nigerians who made democracy possible, said Cross River State and Nigeria as a whole has gained a lot under civilian rule.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Peter Odey, highlighted the significance of the June 12 and described the late Abiola as the foremost hero of the struggle.
Reassuring the people of his determination to prioritise their welfare, Otu called on them to pray for their leaders.
Mutfwang calls for sustenance of democracy
Governor Mutfwang called for the sustenance of democracy so that development and progress could occur in the country.
He described June 12 as a landmark date in the history of democratic struggles in the country.
“It was on that day in 1993 that Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and regional divides came together to vote, symbolising a collective desire for democratic leadership,” he said in a statement by his spokesman Gyang Bere.
“As we commemorate this day, we should also acknowledge the strides we have made in establishing democracy as Nigeria’s governance model. In that regard, political stakeholders must uphold fairness, equity, justice, and the rule of law in our electoral process,” he added.
The governor paid glowing tributes to patriots who struggled and even lost their lives for Nigeria to return to democratic rule.
Fintiri: democracy has come to stay
Governor Fintiri of Adamawa State also congratulated Nigerians, saying the nation has come far with the current democratic order.
“I commend the resilience and determination of Nigerians in upholding democratic values and principles. May I also acknowledge the progress made in the past two decades and pledge my administration’s commitment to deepening democracy and improving the lives of citizens,” Fintiri said.
“As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, I acknowledge the hardships and challenges that many Nigerians still face, and I regret that our democracy has not yet yielded the desired dividends of comfort, security and prosperity for all citizens,” the governor added in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou
Fintiri granted pardons to five inmates and commuted the death sentences of two to life jail.
The development, said Wonosikou, was part of activities marking Democracy Day.
No better alternative to democracy, Mohammed says
Bauchi State Governor Mohammed, who said yesterday that democracy remains the best form of government, called on all stakeholders to work together for its sustenance.
“Celebrating the 25th Democracy Day is a testament to the fact that democratic governance is firmly rooted and enduring in Nigeria. There is no better alternative to democracy, which allows people to choose their leaders and determine their governance,” he added in a statement.
He pointed out that democracy provided him the legal platform to deliver on his promises to the people.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said, “It has been a year since my re-election, which signifies the confidence the people of Bauchi State have in our administration.”
Radda seeks unity, support for nation’s progress
Governor Radda of Katsina State urged Nigerians to intensify efforts at ensuring unity, tolerance, and support for the nation’s progress .
He said: “Nigerians should join hands and transcend the boundaries of ethnicity, religion, and political divide to build a Nigeria that embodies the true spirit of democracy.
“A nation where justice, equality, and opportunity are the cornerstones of our collective greatness, with reverence for the sacrifices of past heroes and heroines who paved the way for Nigeria’s democratic governance.
“Their legacy inspires us to forge ahead with determination, purpose, and unity in our quest for a better tomorrow,” he said.
Radda further stressed that the period was a moment of reflection, adding, ” We stand in solidarity with every Nigerian facing adversity.
“We recognise the challenges that have brought our country to its knees, and we share in the aspirations for a brighter future.”