As the Nation marks this year’s Democracy Day, Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu says June 12 must become a symbol of unity, of hope, of aspiration for a better tomorrow, one built upon true democratic ideals and practices.
In a statement , Governor Sanwo-Olu noted the democracy being enjoy today in Nigeria was built upon the immense sacrifice that June 12 represented and still represents and also a day to remember the June 12, 1993, presidential elections adjudged to be the freest and fairest ever conducted in the country, but was annulled by the military Government.
Pointing out that it was fitting that this year’s commemoration was coming immediately after the first phase of the 2023 political season as the various political parties in the country had in the last four weeks, held Primaries to select their flag bearers for offices, Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to let the occasion be a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build the future we want.
“It is perhaps fitting that we are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day in the immediate aftermath of the first phase of the 2023 political season. We have seen our democracy at work. It is not perfect, but no democracy is. There are still gaps to be closed, and processes to be improved upon, but there is no doubt that the journey we started over two decades ago is fully on course and maturing”
It said; Let Democracy Day be a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build the future we want. 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. 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 promised Lagosians that his administration would continue to strive to attain the ultimate goal of a democracy which is to improve the lives of the people even as he starts the final year of his first term in office.
Governor Sanwo-Olu who also assured Lagos residents that his focus is on completing the many laudable programmes and projects that he started, assured them that he would never allow politicking to get in the way of governance.
Also, The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alh Ahmed Wase has commended Nigerians for their patience and resilience in preserving the unity and integrity of the country.
In a statement commemorating the June 12 Democracy Day, Wase urged Nigerians to nurture and protect the country’s democracy by participating actively in governance process both at local, state and federal levels.
He said even though the country is faced with various security challenges in its march towards nationhood, Nigerians should roll out the drums and celebrate the 23 years of its democracy.
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives, in a statement stresses that the Federal Government must use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to commit to processes that will check electoral manipulations, guarantee the security of voters and ensure that only votes cast by Nigerians in their respective polling units count at the end of the elections.
RN