Unite To Preserve Democracy, Ikpea Tells Nigerians

The senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Joseph Ikpea, has called on Nigerians to work together to sustain the nation’s democracy, saying the country’s democratic journey was built on the sacrifices of heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom and justice.

Ikpea made the call in a Democracy Day message made available to journalists in Benin City on Thursday.

The lawmaker said June 12 remains a significant date in Nigeria’s democratic history and should serve as a reminder of the need for citizens to remain committed to protecting democratic values.

According to him, Nigerians must unite across political, ethnic and religious lines to preserve the democracy that was fought for by the late winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, his wife, Kudirat, and several other pro-democracy activists.

“Today is a day that we cannot joke with in the democratic history of Nigeria. We must work together to sustain the democracy that people like Chief MKO Abiola, his late wife, Kudirat, and several other people died for.

Several others were incapacitated for life,” he said.

Ikpea stressed that the sacrifices made by the heroes of democracy should not be allowed to go in vain, urging citizens to embrace peace, unity and patriotism in the interest of national development.

He noted that sustaining democracy requires the collective efforts of both leaders and citizens, adding that Nigerians must continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.