The Progressive Students Movement (PSM), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged Nigerians to use the Democracy Day for sober reflection on unity and peace of the country.
The President of PSM, Mr Bestman Okereafor, made the call in an interview with our correspondent in Enugu on Saturday.
Okereafor noted that the memories of the June 12, 1993 election, adjudged the most free and fair election in the history of the country, must always be remembered.
According to him, June 12 is that moment in the country’s history when religion, ethnicity, tribe and societal status were set aside for a common goal — the defence of democracy.
He noted that “the PSM is joining all patriotic citizens of the country to celebrate the Democracy Day. PSM wishes all a happy Democracy Day.”
He, however, said “it is disheartening that our democracy is under threat, following the rate of insecurity nationwide.
“The rate of abduction being carried out for ransom is increasing on daily basis because it is lucrative for the perpetrators.
“PSM is calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Baba, to as a matter of urgency, put an end to this growing menace of insecurity which is inimical to our peaceful coexistence as a nation.
“We equally call on the IGP to bring the perpetrators to book.”
Okereafor also appreciated the governors of Ogun and Lagos states for the donation of security vehicles and gadgets to tackle insecurity, adding that “we implore other state governors to emulate this kind gesture’’.