Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has urged Nigerians to commit to the principles of democracy to make it deep-rooted in the country.
Sanwo-Olu made the call at the 13th National Discourse of the Coalition for a Better Nigeria.
The event held at the residence of the family of late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the 1993 Presidential Election, in Ikeja.
The event had the theme: “Converting the Pain of June 12 Election Annulment To Gain for Present Administration”.
June 12, 2024, marks 31 years of the annulment of the presidential election.
Nigeria has had 25 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Sanwo-Olu was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
He said the nation was blessed with democracy which must be jealously protected.
The governor said that democracy remained the best form of government, expressing optimism that it had come to stay in Nigeria.
According to him, the fear of God and love for the country must have helped to sustain democracy in the nation.
“We must cherish our democracy and be democratic in all we do. Democracy is not about force but conviction of ideas.
“It is not about forcing one’s views on others, but about debate. We must talk about it and must come together to agree about it,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu urged public commentators to speak with the fear of God, be patriotic, love the country and adhere to the tenets of democracy.
He said that these were also essential for good governance.
“It is also important for citizens to be patriotic and protect the integrity of the country in order not to destroy the legacy of our forefathers, who paid the ultimate price for democracy, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola.
“It is important to respect our past heroes especially those that are still living,” the governor added.
In his lecture titled “Impact of June 12 on the Democratic and Economic Development of Nigeria”, Mr Debo Adeniran said that Abiola was a pillar of strength and hope for Nigerians and other Africans.
According to him, Abiola made sacrifices for Nigerian’s freedom.
Adeniran described the late Abiola as a good man and philanthropist, who served humanity and had welfare agenda.
“This was what made Nigerians to give him their votes to become the president as they believed he would change the economic situation of the country.
Earlier in her remarks, Mrs Lola Abiola-Edowor, first daughter of the late Abiola, urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration to achieve the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration.
Abiola-Edewor expressed optimism that by the end of Tinubu’s tenure, all his laudable dreams for the nation would have been realised.
“Rome was not built in a day; therefore, l urge you all to be patient with him and keep hope alive,” she said.
Abiola-Edewor thanked the federal and Lagos State Government for their support.
“It is my prayer that God will help President Tinubu to steer the ship of the country successfully,” she said.
The highpoint of the event was laying of a wreath at the graveside of the late Abiola.
The wreath was laid by Hamzat.
The event brought together government functionaries, Abiola Family members, civil society groups and others.
