June 12 Spirit Requires Service, Not Just Remembrance – Ferrari

Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) State Chairmen Forum, Femi Olaniyi Ferrari, has said that the significance of Democracy Day should extend beyond annual remembrance and ceremonial speeches, stressing that leaders must reflect the ideals of June 12 through service, accountability and improved welfare for Nigerians.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Ferrari described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and evidence that Nigerians value fairness, competence and the power of the ballot above identity politics.

According to him, the June 12, 1993 presidential election represented more than support for the late MKO Abiola, noting that it symbolised a national commitment to justice, equity and responsible leadership.

He stated that political leaders must remain faithful to the principles that inspired the struggle for democracy and ensure governance delivers tangible benefits to citizens.

“The Social Democratic Party remains committed to those founding ideals. Forgetting them reduces Democracy Day to ritual without progress for the ordinary Nigerian,” he said.

Ferrari identified credible elections as the foundation for sustaining democratic values, stressing that every vote must count in order to rebuild public trust in governance and strengthen democratic institutions.

He further urged governments at all levels to implement people-centred policies aimed at reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities, expanding access to healthcare and improving the quality of education across the country.

The SDP chieftain also called for greater national unity, saying June 12 demonstrated that Nigerians could rise above ethnic and religious differences when leadership is determined by competence and service rather than background.

He encouraged citizens to remain actively engaged in the democratic process through participation and voting, while offering prayers for democracy heroes who sacrificed for the nation’s democratic journey.

Ferrari added that the Lagos State chapter of the SDP would continue to promote the values of June 12 through integrity, constructive engagement and policies focused on the wellbeing of the people.