Nigeria’s Democracy, A Work In Progress, Says Afenifere Leader, Pa Fasonranti

Elder statesman and leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation (Afenifere), Pa Reuben Fasoranti, has said Nigeria’s democracy and development are a work in progress.

Fasonranti, in a statement personally signed and made available to LEADERSHIP in Akure, Ondo State, in commemoration of Democracy Day in the country, disclosed that with the right attitude, visionary leadership, and patriotic citizenry, the government will reach the promised land.

Fasonranti disclosed that June 12 was a reminder that ‘although we come from different backgrounds with diverse perspectives, our shared goal of a prosperous Nigeria where equity, justice, social and economic well-being are at play is the driving force behind our determination to see this country progress.”

He said, “While we celebrate sustained democratic rule in our country on this auspicious occasion, we’re also reminded that democratic practice remains a work in progress.”

The elder statesman said, “Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the fourth republic, in Nigeria.

“We’re happy to note that the progressive forces remain alert, committed and active. And we’re confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria. ”

Fasonranti, however, called on all compatriots, particularly the civil society groups, to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria, for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.

Fasonranti who acknowledged the efforts being made towards taming the menace which insecurity has become in the country, pointedly said “It is essential to note however that these efforts have not succeeded in freeing us from the clutches of bandits who seem to be spreading their tentacles in various parts of the country, especially in the northern part.”

He states, “We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police and checking internal collaborators appears to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to make living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare.

“I am therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and state governments to establish the State Police and the Community Policing system.

“To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the country, federalism enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic.”

His words:” I wish to state that the main essence of the June 12 celebration is to remind us that we, as Nigerians, irrespective of our diverse political, ethnic or religious inclinations, can work together in tackling the challenges confronting us, to have a country of our dreams. “