Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has said that democratic governance has taken its root in the country despite some challenges sparked by political theatrics and power dynamics.
Aiyedatiwa who affirmed that the sacrifices of the patriotic heroes and steadfast martyrs of the June 12 struggles have not been in vain, assured that the challenges phase in the country’s life will also pass.
Aiyedatiwa stated this when he spoke at this year’s June 12 Democracy Day celebration at the International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome) in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The governor said ‘June 12 represents a landmark revolution in our political history, provides ample opportunity for us as a people to properly acknowledge, accentuate and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices of the heroes past, martyrs and strident advocates of the democratic struggles that culminated in the current democratic gains.
“The significance of the date to the growth of our democratic cum socio-political values cannot be over-emphasised as it provides ample opportunity for us as a country to review the democratic journey, note the progress thus far and protect the sanctity of the hard-earned democratic gains.”
He added that, “The attendant priceless values and undeniable pillars of freedom, inalienable rights, socioeconomic justice, fairness and equity and respect for Rule of Law that are globally guaranteed by democratic best practices are gradually taking roots and properly being entrenched in our political consciousness and national space, with a fresh breath of visible socio-economic development. Today, we can say without equivocation that Democracy is well and alive in Nigeria.”
In his lecture, the guest lecturer and the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said comprehensive reforms are necessary, electoral reforms with the introduction of technology must be deepened to ensure credible and violence-free elections in the country
Basiru, whose lecture dwelt on “The State of Democracy In Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and The Way Forward”, said the solutions will go along with strict enforcement of electoral laws and penalties for violations.
He said the slow pace of reforms and political interference has continued to hinder substantial progress in the country.
According to him, “Nigeria’s democracy has faced numerous challenges since its return to civilian rule in 1999, which have impeded its growth and consolidation. Among the critical issues are electoral integrity, judicial efficiency, good governance, corruption, ineffective local government administration, and institutional weakness.
“Election reforms have aimed at improving transparency and reducing malpractices, yet challenges such as vote-buying and electoral violence persist.’’
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