Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state on Sunday maintained that restructuring remains the only panacea to the array of challenges confronting the Nigerian nation, particularly insecurity.
This was contained in the governor’s June 12 message to the people of the state and Nigeria, saying now is the time to deepen the democratic values that Democracy day represents.
Akeredolu said “Although we are still mourning, we will not forget to join our voices to address the fundamental issues that have remained a clog in the wheel of the country’s progress.
“This day represents a watershed in the history of democracy in our country. It also symbolises a total rebirth of hope and aspiration. It reinforces not just an enduring hope, but resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
“Today, we must make efforts to ensure that the reason for this day is not defeated. Our focus must shift primarily to the people. We must identify the challenges confronting the nation and be prepared to tackle them for the overall benefit of Nigerians.
“No doubt, our country is going through hard times. The issue of insecurity requires our collective efforts. We must renew our commitment to the protection of lives and property. Our country must explore all angles aimed at securing our space against these divisive elements bent on setting the country on the path of conflagration.
“The people are the major winners of June 12. This day re-echoes the triumph of the people against tyranny and misrule. We must not allow the enemies of the country to continue to attack the psyche of the people and oppress them with impunity. Enough is enough.
“Since the people are pivotal to our democratic gains, their well-being and security must be prioritised. There is an urgent need for us to rethink our constitution and address issues that hinder our progress. ”
Emphasizing the need to restructure the country, the governor said “the need for restructuring has stared us in the face for too long. It is time for the Federal government to shed its excesses on the sub-nationals. Security must be devolved to the states. There is no better time for state police than now!
“We must be sincere in our approach to securing the lives and property of the people. The Chief Executives of states should not be Chief Security officers without the prerequisite for necessary security measures. It is time to rise above mere appellation to be pragmatic.
“The symbol of the June 12 struggle paid the supreme sacrifice. Our people must not continue to pay the ultimate price in vain. It is devastating. Let us deepen our Democratic values by devolving power to the sub-nationals. It will strengthen governance and make us stronger.
“As we celebrate this year’s June 12, our mood in Ondo State is melancholic. Our hearts are still hurt. These mindless elements behind the Terror attack at St. Francis Catholic Church in Owo drew a dagger into our hearts. Our flags are still flying at half-mast. We are still in shock. Our loved ones who fell to the bullets of these terrorists will never be forgotten.”
Akeredolu also called on the people to reflect on the gains of June 12, adding that Democracy Day is not only a deft stroke on the canvass of justice but a reminder to all of the need to uphold the principle of equity and fairness.
“We must strive to deepen this path of democratic ethos. Our resolves must resonate with the gains of June 12. This revalidation of hope must be total.” he said.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Revealed! Details Of South-West APC Leaders Meeting With Presidential Aspirants
MORE revelations have emerged about Friday’s meeting held by South-West leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with aspirants from the zone, whose main objective, was on how to avert a crisis that will create a fractured party as it prepares for primary on May 30 and 31, Sunday Tribune has reliably gathered…June 12: We must deepen our democratic values
Supreme Court Has Cleared Civil Servants To Participate In Politics, Falana Tells FG
NIGERIAN workers are constitutionally-free to participate in politics, lawyer, Mr Femi Falana has said. He was responding to the warning from the central government to civil servants to stay off politics…June 12: We must deepen our democratic values
Battle For New Alaafin Begins As Ruling Houses Insist On Producing Next Oba
SUCCESSION battle for the throne of Alaafin of Oyo has begun in earnest in Oyo kingdom, as interested ruling families have picked up the gauntlet to produce the successor to the late Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III…June 12: We must deepen our democratic values