By Afolabi Oyekunle.
Honourable Yusau Shobayo
Honourable Shobayo in the centre, with APC Southwest Organising Secretary, Hon. Lateef Ibirogba, left and a political leader, in right position.
June 12 is a significant day in Nigeria, to mark democracy and commemorate the historic 1993 Presidential election annulled by the Military regime of General Ibrahim Babaginda.
To millions of people, the peaceful election was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola,but was annulled by the military regime.
Unfortunately Chief Abiola lost his life while in detention.
Since the annulment of the June 12 election, Nigerians have seen several civilian governments despite some challenges that threaten democracy such as insurgency, rigging of elections and religious bigotry.
Speaking on Democracy in the country so far, a committed, versatile politician, the Executive Vice Chairman of Agbado-Oke Odo LCDA, Honourable Yusau Kehinde Shobayo while speaking to FocusNews said the country is progressing vast under democracy and many people have realised there is no alternative to it, and advised the people to continue to believe in it.
Honourable Shobayo said though there are some challenges, democracy cannot be equated with military regime.
He salute President Bola Tinubu for being a good champion of democracy as everything he has been doing right from the time he assumed office as President has been according to the rule of law and democracy.
Honourable Shobayo called on the people to continue to key to democratic practices as this is the only way to move the country forward.
According to him, Nigeria has been laying good examples for other countries to follow in terms of freedom of speech, rights of people, freedom of worship irrespective of religion and guarantee of rights for political parties.
He described President Bola Tinubu as presently the champion of democracy, tolerating the people irrespective of political parties, and who deserves to be emulated.
Meanwhile the Centre Against Injustice Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) notes that June 12 is more than a public holiday, but a reminder that democracy is neither automatic nor permanent. It must be defended, strengthened, and made meaningful in the lives of ordinary citizens.
Speaking on the significance of the anniversary, the Executive Director of CAIDOV, Mr. Gbenga Soloki, stated:
"June 12 was not simply about an election; it was about the right of Nigerians to determine their future. Chief MKO Abiola and countless democracy advocates paid a heavy price so that future generations could enjoy freedom and representative government. We honour their sacrifice not only through remembrance, but through action. Democracy succeeds when the votes of citizens count, when institutions serve the people, when a widow receives her pension without delay, when a child can learn in a safe school, and when every Nigerian can participate in governance without fear or discrimination."
The centre said while the country enjoyed uninterrupted civilian rule since 1999, many citizens continue to struggle with economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and limited access to quality healthcare and education.
"For millions of Nigerians, the promise of democracy remains a work in progress."
"The lesson of June 12 is clear: democracy cannot be measured merely by the conduct of elections. It must also be measured by justice, accountability, transparency, inclusion, and the delivery of tangible benefits to the people."
CAIDOV calls for three urgent actions to deepen democratic governance in Nigeria:
1. Protect the Sanctity of the Vote
The integrity of elections remains the cornerstone of democracy. Electoral technologies such as BVAS and IReV must be fully protected and transparentl deployed. Electoral outcomes must always reflect the genuine will of the people. The tragedy of June 12, 1993 must never be repeated in any form.
2. Strengthen Local Government Autonomy
The true dividends of democracy are delivered closest to the people. Functional primary healthcare centres, quality basic education, rural roads, water supply, sanitation, and community development depend largely on effective local governance. Full financial and administrative autonomy for Local Government Areas remains critical to grassroots development.
3. End Violence Against Women in Elections (VAW-E)
CAIDOV urges political leaders, institutions, civil society organisations, and citizens alike to recommit themselves to the values of justice, accountability, participation, and service.
The struggle that began on June 12, 1993 is not over. Democracy is not a gift handed down by leaders. It is a responsibility shared by all citizens.
"Democracy is a duty. Let us renew that duty today."
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