Nigeria’s democracy has come to stay, Alao says on June 12

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Oyo, Engineer Oyedele Hakeem Alao (Allow Alao), has felicitated with President Bola Tinubu and all Nigerians on the occasion of June 12.

Alao in a statement by his Media Office to mark 2024 Democracy Day, said June 12 has become a significant day and a turning point in the history of the country which is a testament to the power of democracy and the human spirit.

While describing the country’s democratic rule as a positive development, he stressed the importance of civilian rule in accelerating growth and development across the country, urging the political class to uphold the tenets of democracy in their pursuits.

The Asiwaju of Irokoland who enjoined the people of the country to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral and decision- making process, maintaining that democracy has come to stay in the country.

He urged Nigerians not to forget the sacrifices of those who fought for the democracy “we are all enjoying today, including Chief Moshood Abiola, who paid the ultimate price for his convictions”, calling on them to get involved and remain steadfast as major stakeholders in the process of governance.
He similarly charged Nigerians to be hopeful of a better and prosperous Nigeria under the leadership of President Tinubu, noting that the President is committed to addressing frontally the various challenges facing the country.

According to him, it is important for Nigerians to support democracy by throwing their weight behind President Tinubu as one year is not enough to judge his administration, insisting that there is no way maize, yam or cassava would be planted and harvested in one month.

He said, “I congratulate Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s democracy day. While it is true that 25 years down the line, our democracy is still grown and has come to stay, the hands of all Nigerians must be on the deck to sustain it.
“Politicians must live up to expectations by playing the game by the rules to the extent that the will of the people must be respected before, during and after elections.

“I nevertheless enjoin Nigerians to join hands together with the administration of President Tinubu in building a prosperous country that we will all be proud of.

“Indeed, passing judgement on his administration in one year would be doing a disservice to his efforts to turn things around positively knowing fully well what he inherited from the past administrations.”