Human rights activists and students on Thursday took to the street in large numbers in Osogbo, Osun State, to protest bad governance as part of events marking the annual Democracy Day in Nigeria.
The activists also used the opportunity to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
Speaking, the chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Mr. Waheed Lawal, who led the protesters, warned the government at all levels against compounding the hardship Nigerians are currently experiencing by imposing more taxes.
He demanded, among other things, genuine electoral reforms in which the executive arm of government will not be saddled with the power to appoint and control election management institutions, and the end of bad governance and insecurity across the country, particularly in Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara.
The peaceful protest that kicked off at Ayetoro Area in the morning and terminated at Olaiya Junction in Osogbo caused traffic gridlock along Ayetoro/Old Garage/Olaiya Junction road, as the protesters occupied one-half of the dual carriageway.
Meanwhile, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke said that the death of Chief Moshood Abiola, the hero of June 12, reignited a renewed patriotic consciousness among Nigerians to defend democratic values and safeguard the nation’s democratic journey.
Delivering his speech at an event commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Governor Adeleke described the late MKO Abiola as a symbol of democracy, sacrifice, and national unity.
He reflected on the significance of June 12, now recognised as Nigeria’s official Democracy Day, marking it as a pivotal moment that reshaped the country’s democratic trajectory.
Governor Adeleke emphasised the need for democracy beyond elections and to be grounded in justice, accountability, transparency, and equity, stressing that democratic governance must tangibly benefit the people.
He pledged his commitment to continue to deliver democracy dividends to the people of Osun State.
