Tag: Democracy Day

  • June 12: Nigeria’s Democracy Still In Bondage –  Atiku

    June 12: Nigeria’s Democracy Still In Bondage – Atiku

    As Nigerians mark the 2023 Democracy Day on June 12, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar says democracy in Nigeria remains in bondage and it will need the energy of all Nigerians to rescue it.

    In a statement released on Sunday, the former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has said that democracy in the country is still in bondage despite the end of the military administration in 1999.

    Atiku said the occasion of Democracy Day is a time for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey to becoming a democratic society.

    “Democracy without a corresponding commitment to the principles of fairness and fidelity to the rule of play by stakeholders in the processes of conducting elections still leaves the people prostrate to tendencies of dictatorship,” the former Vice President stated.

    “For our democracy to be fully fledged, it must constantly evolve away from the current practice where the governing elite determines the outcome of elections.”

    Atiku said a lot of work still lies ahead in the evolution of Nigeria’s democracy.

    “Democracy and the process of democratization is a constant work in progress. While what we celebrate today is a return to civil rule in Nigeria, the desire to make our democracy self-sustaining and independent of anti-democratic elements is the new frontier of participation by all democrats.

    “The challenge ahead of us and the future of our democracy will rely heavily on what we do or fail to do today,” he stated.

    “As I congratulate Nigerians on this day, in celebration of return to civil rule, I also call our consciousness to the reality that democracy in Nigeria remains in bondage and it will need the energy of all of us to rescue it.”

  • FULL TEXT: Tinubu Addresses Nigerians On Democracy Day

    FULL TEXT: Tinubu Addresses Nigerians On Democracy Day

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

    1. 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.

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    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.LLLLLLLLLL

  • Gbajabiamila rejoices with Nigerians on Democracy Day

    Gbajabiamila rejoices with Nigerians on Democracy Day

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has congratulated Nigerians for their unwavering support for the nation’s democracy as they mark this year’s Democracy Day.

    Gbajabiamila said this year’s Democracy Day is worth celebrating because it is a unique milestone in the nation’s democratic journey with the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a thoroughbred democrat, who is noted for his tenacious defence of democracy.

    The Speaker noted that his joy stems from the fact that Nigerians are set to appreciate the true meaning of democracy because the man in the saddle today is a product of democracy and someone who understands and appreciates the tenets of democracy and the value it brings to the table of the populace.

    According to him, as a true democrat who was involved in the struggle for the return of democracy to the country and who has finally assumed the position of authority, President Tinubu will not shy away from bringing to bear the dividends of democracy Nigerians have been yearning for.

    Gbajabiamila also expressed his appreciation to Nigerians as they continue to support the country’s return to democracy by building its processes without wavering since 1999.

    While he urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of the socio-economic and political challenges facing the country, Gbajabiamila called for prayers for the country’s leaders for God’s guidance and wisdom to overcome the many challenges confronting the country.

  • Democracy Day: FG Declarers June 12 Public Holiday

    Democracy Day: FG Declarers June 12 Public Holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 12, 2023 Public Holiday in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

    The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement she released today June 8. While congratulating Nigerians on this occasion, AKinlade said

    “Nigeria’s democratic journey has, like in many other climes, encountered both stormy and smooth sails, but the ship of State, its institutions and most importantly, the Nigerian people have remained steadfast on the tenets of democratic governance. On this memorable occasion therefore, Nigerians and friends of Nigeria are invited to appreciate the progress that has been made, celebrate the milestones covered and look forward to a better future for the country’s democracy.”

    The Permanent Secretary wished all Nigerians a Happy Democracy Day celebration.

  • Democracy Day: NCPC Boss Salutes Heroes, urges politicians to fear God

    Democracy Day: NCPC Boss Salutes Heroes, urges politicians to fear God

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    As Nigeria marks it’s Democracy Day today, Executive Secretary Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, Rev. Dr Yakubu Pam salutes heros of democracy who made sacrifices to enthrone democratic governance.

    Pam in a goodwill message signed Head , Media and Public Relations, Celestine Toruka made available to Daybreak today theRev.Pam also congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians on Democracy Day.

    He said the day reminds Nigerians of the heroes of democracy who made different sacrifices to enthrone democratic Governance.

    The NCPC boss expressed happiness over how Nigerians’ commitment on sustenance of Democratic rule, which he said remains the best practices in any democratic processes.
    He also admonishes politicians to play the game with fear of God, bearing in mind that Nigerians has no other country.

    NCPC Boss further advised the youths to take path in the political and electioneering process so as to have a voice and vote their conscience.
    He further urged INEC to effectively play its role as an unbiased umpire, adding that this would ensure
    emergency of the choice of Nigerians and a nation bereft of tribal sentiments, cohesion but peace and economic prosperity.

  • Buhari, Service Chiefs, Others Attend Democracy Day Parade At Eagles Square

    Buhari, Service Chiefs, Others Attend Democracy Day Parade At Eagles Square

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

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

    President Buhari’s arrival was heralded by a general salute, signalling the official kick off of the exercise in the nation’s capital.

    Prior to the President’s arrival, the guards had fallen into formation with several general salutes taken to welcome squad leaders and the commander of the Guards Brigade.

    There were also general salutes for the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of the Police Force, as well as salutations for former presidents and vice presidents, among other dignitaries.

    Present at the arena to welcome President Buhari were the Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd); Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor; ministers and other members of the President’s cabinet, members of the National Assembly, and members of the diplomatic corps.

    The ground is not as full as one would expect, but civilians are not left out of the exercise as one could see visibly the presence of students and teachers from various schools, many bearing the Nigerian flag.

    President Buhari is expected to inspect the guards and sign the anniversary register after which the parade formalities would be concluded.

  • Democracy Day: President Buhari Can’t Shift Responsibility to Me Over Insecurity – Gov Ortom

    Democracy Day: President Buhari Can’t Shift Responsibility to Me Over Insecurity – Gov Ortom

    By Isaac Kertyo, Makurdi

    Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on Tuesday declared that, President Muhammadu Buhari cannot shift responsibility to him as Governor as far as issues of insecurity are concerned.

    The Governor made his position known while briefing Journalists at the Government House Makurdi on his second term’s score card to mark Democracy Day Anniversary.

    Ortom said this against the backdrop of the recent statement by the President that Governors should stop running to him but rather tackle security challenges bedeviling their various states.

    “The President can’t shift responsibility to me. He is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces- so he can’t ask Governors to go back to their States and face security challenges. I don’t have the Army or the Police,” he posited.

    Continuing, Ortom admonished Nigerians to jettison ethnicity, religion and politics if the nation must move forward. “We must put aside ethnicity, religion and politics to move the country forward”.

    He insisted that Benue State won’t accept reopening of Grazing routes, explaining that there is nothing like Grazing routes in the state. ” I have facts and figures, Benue is not affected.”

    Ortom calls for the urgent review of the 1999 Constitution, describing it as faulty. ” There is need to look at the Constitution of Nigeria with the view of amending it for faster growth of our country.”

    According to the Governor he achieved giant strides in education, security, agriculture, health, rural infrastructure among other development efforts using merger resources at his disposal.

    The Governor maintained that the state government was currently catering for over one million Internally Displaced Persons’ who are in various camps. He lauded development partners, individuals and corporate organizations for their humanitarian services.

    He commended the People of Benue State over their support and prayers which has made it possible for him to achieve much during the period under review.

    The Governor equally lauded media practitioners for their balanced reportage, even as he implored them to maintain the tempo.

  • Democracy Day: Group calls for sober reflection, unity, peace

    Democracy Day: Group calls for sober reflection, unity, peace

     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’’.

  • Democracy Day: Zone 10 AIG Ensure Adequate Security Come June 12

    Democracy Day: Zone 10 AIG Ensure Adequate Security Come June 12

    By Muhammad Goronyo, Sokoto

    The Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 10 Headquarters, consisting of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States, AIG Ali Aji Janga has deployed all legal means to protect lives and properties of citizens, before, during and after the June 12 Democracy Day celebrations.

    He advised Religious leaders, traditional rulers and all Social Organizations to monitor the activities of their wards and members to ensure peaceful celebrations so that they may not engage in nefarious activities.

    The release by the Police Spokesman, ASP Adamu Abbas said the AIG noted that, though the country is in turmoil as a result of the various reactions, agitations and criminal activities going on in some parts, he assured that all security mechanisms has been put in place to ensure that the relative peace being enjoyed by the Zone under his supervision is not jeopardized.

    Movements, he added is not restricted, all law abiding citizens are free to move about peacefully in carrying out their legitimate transactions and livelihood.

    He also said there shall be severe punishment for outlaws who break laws of the land and order throughout the period and beyond.

  • #June12thProtest: Police Shoot Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

    #June12thProtest: Police Shoot Teargas At Protesters In Abuja

    The police on Saturday shot teargas to disperse protesters in the Gudu area of Abuja as the country marked Democracy Day on June 12.

    The protesters had earlier blocked the Gudu Junction to protest the state of the nation.

    Similar protests were held across the country on Saturday.

    The Unity Fountain in Abuja, which is a popular venue for protests in the nation’s capital, had been shy of protesters as of 8:15am.

    However, at the Millennium Park just opposite the fountain, a few individuals wearing branded T-shirts with the inscription ‘I Stand With Buhari’ had pooled together.

    They were reportedly to later embark on a road walk to mark Democracy Day.

    ‘Resign from office’

    According to our correspondent, the protesters in Gudu had turned out in their numbers carrying placards and banners with various inscriptions.

    Among their demands was the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.
    They are asking that President Muhammadu Buhari resign from office.

    According to them the president has failed in addressing the challenges in the country, including that of insecurity.

    Among those leading the protest were social activists Omoyele Sowore and Deji Adeyanju.

    However, as the protesters continued their protest, heavily armed policemen stormed the scene and began shooting tear gas into the air, dispersing the protest.