Ekiti State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has paid tributes to the late Chief Moshood Abiola and other martyrs of democracy, noting that no efforts should be spared in ensuring that their deaths are not in vain.
He also hailed the pivotal role played by prominent democracy activists, including President Bola Tinubu, who joined other compatriots to fight to restore civil rule in the country.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, described June 12 as a watershed in the political history of Nigeria and a turning point in the nation’s political journey as a corporate entity.
The governor noted that President Tinubu was a prominent voice in revalidating the June 12, 1993 presidential election result won by the late Abiola, who has been widely acknowledged as the symbol of the democracy enjoyed by Nigerians.
He said providence has now placed President Tinubu in the saddle to make Nigeria great through his Renewed Hope agenda, which urges the unflinching support of all Nigerians for the country to be restored to the path of prosperity.
While congratulating Nigerians on the celebration of the June 12 Democracy Day, he noted that 26 years of unbroken democracy is an excellent milestone for Nigeria, especially considering the tremendous respect it confers on the country in the comity of nations.
“Twenty-six years of unbroken democracy is a great milestone for Nigeria. This is phenomenal, a record, and an indication that Nigerians appreciate democracy despite the odds.
“It is instructive and symbolic that one of the most prominent agitators for the democracy we presently enjoy, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has, by Providence, become the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was pivotal in restoring civil rule after decades of military dictatorship.
“Let us continue to support Mr. President so that we can realize the Nigeria of our dreams. As we move on in our democratic journey, let us continue to be more patriotic in our daily activities. We must continue to defend this democracy because it was hard-earned and purchased with the sweat and blood of our compatriots,” Governor Oyebanji said.
