June 12 : Democracy is work in progress – Prof Faduyile .
All Progressives Congress, APC Chieftain, Prof.Dayo Faduyile, OON, has noted that Democracy has come to stay in Nigeria, describing it as a work in progress that is sustainable by the collective resolve of the governed and those in government to make it work better for the greater good of all.
The former Special Adviser on Health to Ondo State Government gave this indication in a press statement he personally endorsed to congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 2025 celebration of Democracy Day which also marks the second year administration of the first term of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Prof.Faduyile in the press statement noted that in the history of how Democracy has evolved in Nigeria there had been experiences that were replete with pains of concerted struggle of heroes of democracy, martyrdom and efforts of ‘men in khaki’ to muffle free speech and demand for civilian rule.
“The story of June 12, 1993 is the narrative of how Nigerians put aside tribe, creed and religion and bought into the ‘Hope 93’ promises of Chief M K O Abiola, SDP Presidential candidate, whose joint ticket with a fellow Muslim, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe did not deter pan Nigerian voters who wanted good governance and who wanted the military back to their barracks.
“Unfortunately , as free and fair as the June 12,1993 election had been, anti democratic forces bonded together and frustrated the actualization of the lofty dream of Chief Moshood Abiola in an election which conduct by Prof. Humphrey Nwosu of National Electoral Commission, NEC, as it then was, could have berthed democracy for Nigeria in that fateful year.
“The annulment of June 12 election gave rise to sorrow, tears and blood on the national canvas as the crisis that followed and the resolve of Chief Abiola to claim his mandate made a martyr out of him and so many other heroes of democracy. Today, Nigerians are grateful to President Bola Tinubu who unlike his predecessors had recognized June 12 as the heroic democracy day as against May 29th bequeathed to Nigeria by the military government,” Prof. Dayo Faduyile said.
He indicated that on the occasion of June 12 celebration, Nigerians look back with a solemn sense of appreciation to the resilience of Chief MKO Abiola who did not betray the course and who stood up to the junta, demanding the return of the nation to democracy. “The democratic government we have now was watered by the blood of heroes some of who are dead but are fondly remembered today; the likes of Chief MKO Abiola, winner of June 12,1993 election, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransom Kuti, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola , Alhaja Suliyat Adedeji, Bagauda Kaltho and host of others who are dead but not forgotten.”
Prof.Faduyile said democracy is work in progress, charging Nigerians to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who himself is one of the heroes of democracy who fought beside MKO Abiola and a host of others to actualize democracy in Nigeria.
He said a lot has been achieved in the two years of governance of President Bola Tinubu and the President’s economic drive is geared towards bringing lasting solutions to economic challenges that have bedeviled the nation in the time past.