DEMOCRACY DAY: Governors Renew Commitment To Good Governance, Security, Democratic Ideals

Governors across states in the country yesterday marked Democracy Day with renewed pledges to strengthen governance, security, unity and democratic values.

BY FELIX IGBEKOYI, Asaba, KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi, Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja, AZA MSUE, Kaduna, Abdullahi Olesin, Ilorin, ATTAH ANTHONY, Jalingo , AZA MSUE, Makurdi and ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

No Negotiation With Terrorists, Plateau Gov Vows

Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Mutfwang has declared that his administration would not negotiate with terrorists or criminal elements, but would sustain ongoing security operations to restore lasting peace across the state.

Mutfwang made the declaration yesterday in Jos while speaking during a Democracy Day Town Hall Meeting, where he also highlighted key interventions of his administration in agriculture, water infrastructure, security and social services.

He maintained that engaging or negotiating with criminals remained off the table, stressing that security agencies must continue to take decisive action against perpetrators.

“Negotiating with criminals is not an option. We will continue to push them out of our communities,” he said.

The governor said his administration had intensified security operations across the state in collaboration with security agencies, community leaders and traditional institutions, noting that the strategy had begun to yield positive results in affected areas.

He explained that coordinated security operations had led to the arrest of several suspects linked to violent attacks, adding that the arrests were already opening new lines of investigation and providing useful intelligence to security agencies.

Mutfwang said ongoing investigations were helping to uncover wider criminal networks behind some of the attacks, while government continued to support security agencies with logistics and intelligence gathering.

He assured residents that although security challenges would not be resolved overnight, government remained determined to sustain operations until lasting peace is achieved across Plateau State.

Mutfwang also called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders in peacebuilding efforts.

Stay Resolute In Guarding Democratic Rule, Gov AbdulRazaq Urges Nigerians

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday urged Nigerians to remain resolute in safeguarding the nation’s hard-earned democracy.

The governor gave the charge in a Democracy Day message posted on his official page.

“My message to Kwarans and fellow citizens across the nation is to stay resolute, guard our hard-earned democratic struggle jealously, and work together to defeat the forces threatening our peace, security and development,” he said.

AbdulRazaq paid glowing tributes to the heroes of the struggle for the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria.

“We remember Chief MKO Abiola, widely accepted as the symbol of that struggle, and other patriots who paid the supreme price. The ultimate satisfaction is that we have remained steadfast on this democratic journey for 27 unbroken years despite the challenges,” he said.

AbdulRazaq restated the commitment of his administration to entrenching democratic ideals and extending the dividends of democracy to all citizens.

He assured Kwarans that the security challenges affecting parts of the state would soon become history, adding that he remained in constant engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace and safety across communities.

“I therefore welcome contributions on ways to move forward at all times. I want to reassure Kwarans that we will overcome the security breaches in some parts of the state.

I am in constant engagement with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable peace and safety across our communities, including efforts to secure the freedom of compatriots still in captivity.

“I urge us all to stay united as one great people with uncommon love for our state and country. With everyone contributing their part, Nigeria will become stronger, greater and more prosperous,” AbdulRazaq stated.

Greater Prosperity Ahead – Delta Gov

The Delta State Governor, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, expressing optimism that the nation’s democratic journey would usher in greater prosperity and development.

Also celebrating the occasion were the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Dennis Guwor, and Deputy President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori commended Nigerians for their unwavering commitment to democratic ideals and constitutional governance despite prevailing national challenges.

The governor described June 12 as a historic date that symbolises the resilience, courage and determination of Nigerians in their pursuit of democratic rule, noting that the sacrifices of past heroes and pro-democracy activists should never be forgotten.

According to him, Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on national progress, strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce the collective responsibility of leaders and citizens in building a more united and prosperous country.

Alia Hopeful On  State Police Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has praised the House of Representatives for passing a bill to pave the way for the creation of state police.

He said the passage of the bill is a bold and commendable step towards strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

The governor stated this on Friday during his broadcast to the people of Benue State on the 2026 Democracy Day.

Explaining his support for the bill, the governor said that it recognises the need for a more localised and responsive policing system capable of addressing the peculiar security challenges facing different states and communities across the country

In a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Alia pointed out that his administration has made sincere efforts to secure the state through collaboration with security agencies, provision of over 150 operational vehicles and 600 motorcycles, establishment of the Benue State Civil Protection Guards, and the Anyam Nyor Joint Task Force.

Alia said: “The lawmakers deserve appreciation for demonstrating courage, foresight, and commitment to the protection of lives and property.

“I urge Nigerians to view this development in good faith and as a necessary reform aimed at enhancing public safety and deepening grassroots security.

“With appropriate safeguards, accountability mechanisms, and constitutional checks, state police can complement existing security agencies, improve intelligence gathering, and promote quicker responses to threats.

“This is a significant milestone in our collective quest for a safer and more secure Nigeria.”

Gov Mohammed Reaffirms Commitment To Security, Good Governance

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has described Democracy Day as a historic milestone that symbolises the triumph of the collective will of Nigerians, the sustenance of democratic governance, and the enduring pursuit of justice, freedom, accountability, and national development.

Mohammed made the remarks in a goodwill message issued yesterday by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration. He congratulated the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians across the country on the occasion.

Governor Mohammed noted that Democracy Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s progress and honour the sacrifices of patriotic Nigerians who fought tirelessly for the entrenchment of democratic values and institutions.

He stated that his administration remains committed to delivering the dividends of democracy through people-oriented policies and programmes that have positively impacted the lives of citizens across Bauchi State.

The governor highlighted significant achievements recorded under his administration in key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, rural development, water supply, youth and women empowerment, as well as social welfare.

According to him, the government has executed extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across urban and rural communities, upgraded healthcare facilities to improve access to quality medical services, strengthened the education sector through the construction and renovation of schools, and implemented agricultural support programmes aimed at enhancing food security and empowering farmers.

Ododo Urges Nigerians to Defend Democracy

Kogi State Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in protecting and strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions, describing democracy as the most credible platform for ensuring peace, development, accountability, and the protection of fundamental rights.

In his Democracy Day message to Nigerians on Friday, Governor Ododo congratulated citizens on another milestone in the country’s democratic journey and urged them to reflect on the sacrifices of heroes who fought for the sustenance of democratic governance.

Quoting former American President Abraham Lincoln, the governor said democracy remains “the government of the people, by the people, for the people,” stressing that its true strength lies not only in the election of leaders but also in the active participation of citizens in shaping the destiny of the nation.

According to him, despite the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria, democracy has continued to provide the framework for national development, peace, and the protection of freedoms.

“As we celebrate today, I urge all Nigerians to remain committed to the preservation and protection of our democracy. The gains we enjoy today were secured through years of struggle, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment by patriots who believed in a better Nigeria,” he said.

The governor cautioned against actions capable of undermining democratic institutions and advocated the promotion of tolerance, dialogue, unity, and responsible citizenship.

Gov. Sani Frees 97 Inmates

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has granted clemency to 97 inmates of the Kaduna Correctional Centre as part of activities marking Democracy Day.

Speaking during the ceremony at the Kaduna Correctional Centre, Governor Sani said Democracy Day provides an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of Nigerians who fought for the restoration of democratic rule and to recommit to building a more united, peaceful and prosperous nation.

In an earlier message to the citizens of the state, Governor Sani described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s history, noting that the 1993 presidential election demonstrated the capacity of Nigerians to transcend ethnic, religious and regional divisions in pursuit of a common national destiny.

Governor Sani paid tribute to MKO Abiola, Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Hajiya Kudirat Abiola, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other patriots whose sacrifices helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

“Their courage remains a powerful reminder that freedom is never free and that democracy must be nurtured, protected and strengthened by every generation,” he said.

The governor explained that the release of the inmates was in exercise of the constitutional Prerogative of Mercy, following recommendations by the Kaduna State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy after reviewing eligible cases.

.”The exercise involved outright release, commutation of sentences, and payment of fines for affected inmates.”

Describing the gesture as a demonstration of the transformative power of redemption and second chances, Governor Sani urged the beneficiaries to embrace lawful and productive lives.

To support their reintegration, Governor Sani announced cash grants for the 97 beneficiaries and offered admission opportunities into Kaduna State Skills Acquisition and Vocational Institutes in Soba, Rigachikun and Samaru-Kataf for those interested in acquiring or upgrading vocational skills.

Nigeria’s Democratic Practice Remains Best Form Of Government – Gov Kefas

Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, has stated that despite the challenges confronting the nation at all levels and across sectors, democracy remains Nigeria’s best form of government.

Governor Kefas made the remarks in a statement issued to journalists in Jalingo by his Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication, Emmanuel Bello, to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day celebration.

The governor noted that Nigeria’s democratic journey has witnessed several trials over the decades but has continued to survive and grow stronger through adherence to constitutional principles and the rule of law.

He added that despite the challenges confronting its practice, the government has remained committed to good governance and quality service delivery.

Governor Kefas identified separation of powers, an independent judiciary and a free press as critical pillars of every democratic society, stressing that preserving them remains essential for national progress.