President Muhammadu Buhari
In what he regarded as his last ‘Democracy Day’ speech as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari reminded Nigerians of the essence of ‘Democracy Day’ celebration, which is a time when Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring they protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.
In 2018, the date for Democracy Day celebration was shifted from May 29 to June 12, to remind all Nigerians of what a free election should be, as seen during the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
In this light, President Buhari urged Nigerians to honour a national hero, Chief MKO Abiola, who allegedly won the 1993 presidential election, by working together during the 2023 general elections to ensure the transition is done in a peaceful manner.
The President, noted in his speech how impressed he is with the recently concluded primary elections across all registered political parties; as it was peaceful and orderly. He also noted an increased participation of women and youths in the political process. While assuring Nigerians that he will ensure a peaceful transition of power to a new president, he urged candidates to run issue-focused campaigns and urged electorates to exercise their franchise.
In his speech, Buhari acknowledged the increased rate of insecurity in the country and stated that he is living daily in grief and worry for the victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. To this, he said that his government is working hard to ensure the safety of victims of insecurity and that the perpetrators of these dastardly acts are brought to justice. “I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and couuntry women safely”, he reassured. “We have reformed some of our security structures; our cybersecurity and surveillance systems are being upgraded to further enhance our ability to track and trace criminal elements”, he added.
On the other hand, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has announced on his Twitter handle on Saturday that the Ondo State government has canceled this year’s June 12 celebration in honour of the victims of last Sunday’s terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo, Ondo State, where 40 unarmed worshippers were killed, with many others injured.
This cancellation is to enable the people of Ondo State mourn their loved ones who lost their lives in the horrific attack.
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