June 12: President Tinubu, A God-sent Democrat – Abiodun

Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday, appealed to all Nigerians to give President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the maximum support needed to ensure that the nation’s democracy is jealously protected.

Abiodun particularly declared that President Tinubu is God-sent politician whose programmes and mission in office included delivery of more dividend of democracy to all geopolitical zones.

The governor, who made the appeal while delivering his speech at a rally in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the June 12 Democracy Day, held at the M.K.O. Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta advocated to every citizen to persevere, noting that some of the recent policies, such as the removal of the fuel subsidy might come out with its initial inconvenience.

“It is gratifying that one of the dependable, loyal, dogged and hardened proponent of the June 12 struggle Bola Tinubu is today the president of Nigeria.

“Some of the recent policy like the subsidy removal may come out with some initial inconvenience, but we must persevere as the benefit far outweighs whatever it is we are sacrificing.

“As we move on in our democratic journey, it is important for us to continue to be patriotic in all our daily activities. We must have it at the back of our mind that the democracy that we enjoy today is a product of the blood and sweat of some people. We must therefore do everything that is in our capacity to jealously protect it with all our heart and might, knowing fully well that the worst democracy is far better than acclaimed best dictatorship”.

“All hands must be on deck to support and make our project a success on this journey to a new Nigeria, like we say, there is no gain without some pain”.

Abiodun described late MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a man of integrity whose love for the country cuts across tribes, ethnics and religion.

“June 12 remains a water shed in the political history of Nigeria and a turning point in Nigeria’s political journey as a corporate entity. Exactly 30 years ago, Nigerians, irrespective of faith, tribe or political affiliations united behind a man, named Chief MKO Abiola (GCFR), he ran an unprecedented free and fair election which was later brutally annulled and the rest became history.

“We will continue to miss one of the most illustrious sons of our dear state that ever lived, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The maker and compass of democracy in Nigeria and today lies his enduring legacies of doggedness, consistency and perseverance. Ogun State is really blessed to have produced such a great personality”.

Abiodun however, commended the statesmanship exhibited by former president Muhammadu Buhari who graciously reviewed June 12 and proclaimed it a national holiday.

Earlier a former General Secretary, Campaign for Democracy, Sylvester Akhaine, noted that the rule of law must be made sacrosanct, adding that the people of the country must be made the center of governance.