June 12: Consolidating Democracy in Nigeria Is Our Collective Responsibility – Omooba Dotun Babayemi

As Nigeria marks this year’s Democracy day,a politician in Osun State, Omooba Dotun Babayemi has observed that sustaining democratic rule in Nigeria is the collective responsibility of all and sundry.

In his Democracy day message, the politician cum public affairs analyst noted that, it is the duty of all Nigerians to contribute their individual quota to ensure that the country is reset on the path of peace, progress and prosperity.

According to him,what we are witnessing today as democratic rule would not have been possible if the June 12 election annulment had not elicited resistance and resolute demonstrations against the military regimes.
The unity of purpose among Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, class and regional affiliations, who stood with one voice with their votes during the June 12, 1993 elections,he said, should be brought to bear in the present situation in the country and we should all renew our pledge to always uphold our national unity so that we can live together in peace and harmony.

While saluting the courage and dedication of men and women, especially the father of Democracy, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola,who suffered intimidations and persecutions of Nigerians’ popular will, that is known today as democracy,Omooba Babayemi noted that there is still much to be done towards attaining true democracy. According to him,Nigeria’s hope for the future lies in a new awakening among individuals and groups especially in the area of developing a new generation of honest, dedicated,focused, and transparent leaders,ending insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation,empowering youths through productive engagements,ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process, functional health care system and an independent judiciary,among others.

He congratulated the people of Osun West Senatorial District in particular,Osun State in general and Nigeria as a whole on yet another June 12 celebration,and noted that despite myriads of disappointments,denial of rights and betrayal of trust by leaders,yet all hope is not lost because the desire of democracy among Nigerians has remained unassailable over the years.