Prince Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye, the chairman of the embattled Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Oyo State Chapter, has said the history behind the June 12, 1993 presidential election is something the nation must continue to recognise.
In a statement he signed on Friday, Abass-Aleshinloye said to commemorate this year’s democracy day, ALGON noted that the declaration of June 12 as democracy day by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019 is a testimony and reaffirmation of the national spread and unity in diversity of the people’s mandate freely won by Late Chief MKO Abiola.
The statement read: ALGON Oyo State joins all democracy loving citizens of Nigeria as we mark the 27th anniversary of June 12 that was criminally annulled by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida led junta.
“That June 12 is now celebrated annually as Democracy Day nationally since the government of President Muhammadu Buhari made it so last year, is a testimony and reaffirmation of the national spread and unity in diversity of the people’s mandate freely won by Late Chief MKO Abiola. GCFR. Nigerians trusted him and that is why they voted for him. It is a history we must continue to recognise.
“As we mark June 12, the essence of “Farewell to Poverty” which was the campaign matra of Chief Abiola should not be lost on the government and the governed because democracy should be about national development in order to make citizens economically empowered to defend democracy. Globally, poverty is a threat to democracy, coexistence and national stability.
“In order to create social wealth and economic empowerment for the people, the local government has a very important role to play as the closest tier of government to the grassroots. And to play this role, local government should be fully democratised and administered by popularly elected people that are accountable to the people and it should enjoy autonomy as guaranteed by the constitution.
“Developing the culture of democracy and rule of law at the grassroots enhances democratic practice and popular participation nationally which is sine qua non to free and fair elections.
“Democracy, unity in diversity, peace and progress, leadership with integrity are basic tenets of good governance and purposeful developement. This is how best to remember and honour June 12 as a watershed in the political history of Nigeria.
“ALGON, Oyo State wishes the government and citizens happy Democracy Day. But as we celebrate by getting involved in many commemorative activities, we should remember to observe social distancing, use our face masks and keep in mind other safety protocols on Covid-19. The global pandemic is still very much with us.”
