By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterates government commitments in continuously recognize the sacrifices made by the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy, particularly during 1993 general elections.
Buhari made this statement in his National Broadcast to Nigerian as part of activities to celebrate the June 12, the Democracy Day in Nigeria in remembrance of the late business mogul, philantrophist and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola popularly known as MKO, the winner of the annulled June 12 elections.
According to Nigeria’s President, “We must never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy during 1993. Their patriotism and peaceful struggle should guide our actions especially when it comes to electing our leaders and holding them accountable, now and in future.”
“From 1999, we consistently celebrated Democracy Day to mark the end of military rule and the return of power and control into the hands of those freely elected by the people. On this day, Nigerians recommit themselves to ensuring we protect and preserve the ideals of democracy.
“In 2018, we moved Democracy Day from 29th of May to the 12th of June. This change was to remind all Nigerians of one free election after which the presumed winner along with Nigerians were denied their rights and their choice.
“On June 12th 1993, Nigerians saw the best in our citizens as we all went out to vote peacefully. By June 24th 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled. “
Buhari noted that, this year Democracy celebration is going to be his last one in office, he said, he remained committed to free fair and credible elections.
“Fellow Nigerians this is my last Democracy Day speech as your President. By June 12th, 2023, exactly one year from today, you will already have a new President. I remain committed and determined to ensure that the new President is elected through a peaceful and transparent process.
“It is important for all of us to remember that June 12th, 2023 will be exactly 30 years from the 1993 Presidential elections. In honour and memory of one of our national heroes for democracy, Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR, we must all work together to ensure this transition is done in a peaceful manner.
“I am hopeful that we can achieve this. The signs so far are positive. Recently, all registered political parties conducted primaries to select their candidates for the 2023 general elections. “These primaries were peaceful and orderly. Those who won were magnanimous in their victories. Those who lost were gracious in defeat. And those aggrieved opted to seek judicial justice as opposed to jungle justice.”
He pointed-out, the increment of women and youth participations in politics, he said, “Another positive that came from the 2022 party primaries was the significant increase in women and youth particularly across all parties. I was very pleased to see this development. This augurs well for the future. These trends clearly show the level of maturity our democracy has achieved in the last 23 years.
“As we move into the general election campaign season, we must sustain this mature attitude to campaigning and ultimately, voting. We must never see it as a “do or die” affair. We must all remember democracy is about the will of the majority. There must be winners and losers.
Buhari advised candidates to run an issue based campaign and treat opponents with dignity. “I will therefore take this opportunity on this very special day to ask all candidates to continue running issue focused campaigns and to treat opponents with dignity. As leaders, you must all showcase high character and never forget that the world is watching us and Africa looks up to Nigeria to provide example in governance. The tone you set at the top will surely be replicated in your followers. Buhari maintained.
He added that his government has made a significant progress in the last 7 years, “For the voters, I am pleased to inform you that in the last 7 years, our government across all tiers, have made significant investments to reform and enhance our electoral laws, systems, and processes to safeguard your votes.’ He said.