June 12: Get Recommitted To ‘Free And Fair Election’ To Honour Late MKO Abiola’s Memory, Gov Adeleke Tells Nigerian Politicians
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has submitted that the best way to honour late Chief MKO Abiola’s memory ditto other heroes of democracy is to get recommitted to free and fair elections.
In a statement he issued to mark the 2024 Democracy Day which was made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by his spokesperson, Mr Olawale Rasheed , Governor Adeleke described free and fair elections as the lifeline of any virile democracy, while acknowledging the sacrifices and struggles that resulted in the civil rule that ‘we currently enjoy today’.
He urged politicians in the country to uphold the tenets of democracy by respecting the will of the people.
The political class, he noted, must recommit to strengthening the country’s electoral system to deliver credible elections and ensure that the will of the people is not subverted.
Calling election rigging an act of war , Governor Adeleke said ‘our best homage to our democratic heroes is our continued upholding the basic tenets of democracy. Such include free and fair elections and observance of the rule of law’.
‘We cannot at one hand celebrate Democracy Day and on the other hand undermine the democratic machine. You cannot be applauding the great memories of the late Bashorun Abiola and at the same time be working against free and fair elections.
I call on leaders locally and nationally to rededicate ourselves to democratic ideals. The will of the people freely expressed must be accepted by genuine democrats. Our electoral system must be strengthened to deliver credible elections. Under no circumstances should the will of the people be subverted.
Free and fair elections are the lifeline of any virile democracy. Politicians must grow to know and accept that power flows from the people. Rigging elections is an act of war against democracy. Genuine democrats accept electoral verdicts as a mark of respect for the voters, the ultimate holder of sovereignty. That’s what I did in 2018 when I was denied victory.
If there is any lesson June 12 every year is to teach us, it is that democracy thrives when electoral candidates bow to people’s will. We must stop being autocratic in democratic garb.
If you are rejected at an election, take it in good faith and prepare for the next round of election. After all, Abraham Lincoln failed in several elections before his eventual emergence as American president’ the governor added-Team@orientactualmags.com Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com. Thank you
