June 12: Democracy thrives only in peaceful environment – Aiyedatiwa

…..Says Ondo ready for State police
. Calls for active participation in 2027 general elections
. Oshiomhole, Falae push democratic reforms, security overhaul

By Tolulope Eniola

As Nigeria celebrates the Democracy Day across the country, Ondo State Govenor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emphasised the importance of security in sustaining democracy.

Speaking at the 2026 June 12 celebration, the Govenor opined that Insecurity poses a direct threat to the consolidation and sustenance of democracy itself.

According to him, democracy can only truly thrive in an atmosphere of peace and security; where insecurity prevails, democratic values are weakened, civic participation is discouraged and public trust in governance is eroded.

The Governor said “We must always remind ourselves that democracy is not a destination but a continuous journey. True democracy is measured not only by elections but by good governance.

“It is a system that thrives only when citizens and leaders alike embrace responsibility, active participation, accountability and unwavering respect for the rule of law. Democracy is sustained not merely by constitutional provisions, but by our collective commitment to upholding its values and principles in everyday governance and civic engagement”.

The Governor noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu continues to show a strong commitment to addressing insecurity in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

He added that in response to emerging security challenges across different parts of the country, the Federal Government does not relent in strengthening coordination within the security leadership structure through the reorganization and regular engagement of the Service Chiefs and heads of key security agencies under the National Security Council, with the aim of improving cooperation, intelligence sharing and overall operational effectiveness.

He stressed that the President has also repeatedly expressed support for decentralised policing and community-based security to improve grassroots security and intelligence gathering across communities.

“In our dear State, this administration under the OUR EASE Agenda, we will continue to demonstrate commitment to delivering good governance, infrastructure renewal and people-oriented development across all sectors.

“Our administration shall remain fully committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property, because no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of insecurity. The welfare of our security personnel shall continue to be a top priority of this government, as we remain fully committed to motivating and supporting those who risk their lives on daily basis to safeguard our communities.

“The recent welfare packages approved for our Amotekun workforce in the area of their enrolment into the Pension Contributory Scheme and the introduction of medical allowance benefit is part of our efforts in this direction. Recently, 500 additional personnel were recruited into the Amotekun Corps.

He stated that his administration remains firmly committed to strengthening security architecture by ensuring that no gap is left uncovered, so as to guarantee lasting peace and safety for our people.

“While we acknowledge the painful experiences of recent security incidents in some parts of the country, including cases of abduction and attacks on innocent citizens, especially students and vulnerable communities, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. These unfortunate incidents remind us of the urgency of collective responsibility and sustained action.

“As we reflect on the legacy of June 12, I strongly encourage all eligible citizens to actively participate in the 2027 general elections, come out peacefully to exercise your franchise without fear, intimidation and violence”.

He added that elections remain the foundation of democracy, and every vote must count in shaping the future of our nation and citizens must continue to uphold the values of peaceful participation and respect for the democratic process.

“We will not relent in our efforts to protect lives, strengthen governance and sustain development across all sectors. It is my belief that, with our continued cooperation and determination, we shall overcome all socio-economic and security challenges confronting us as a country”, he said.

Speaking on State police, he declared that Ondo State is fully prepared for the proposed initiative.

“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time. Even during the time of my late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwaroritimi Akeredolu, SAN, which I inherited also the structure that has been built, which I’ve also further strengthened. We have the structure, we have the people and all that is left for the equipment, to further equip them.

“Yes, we have some equipment already that the law permits. But we need to further fortify them with more sophisticated equipment that will make them to be more effective and functional in the charge of their duty.”

In his lecture, Oshiomhole described June 12 as a symbol of courage, resilience and democratic conviction anchored on the legacy of the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, whom he called the conscience of the Nigerian nation.

He said Abiola’s refusal to abandon his mandate under military pressure from General Ibrahim Babangida and later General Sani Abacha made him a global symbol of democratic struggle and sacrifice.

Oshiomhole recalled his role as Deputy President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during negotiations with the military regime, acknowledging Oba Olu Falae’s role in labour-government engagements.

He recounted Abiola’s detention and insistence that he had been duly elected President and would not renounce his mandate.

He said: “If he did not possess those qualities, Abiola would have disappeared and become just another Nigerian recalling how his mandate was stolen. He stood firm for democracy and Nigeria.”

According to him, the 1993 election demonstrated rare national unity, with Nigerians voting across ethnic and religious lines.

He said: “In celebrating Abiola, we are celebrating courage, consistency, doggedness, commitment to nation and fearlessness. He stood firm for democracy and he stood firm for Nigeria.”

Oshiomhole also recalled labour negotiations with the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, praising Oba Falae’s role in dialogue.

“We went into that room angry and determined to do what labour people do best, but we almost forgot what brought us there,” he said. “Through his skill of persuasion and negotiation, we were able to have what you might call a compromise.”

He criticised rising religious influence in politics, saying: “Religion has become an issue in a way that distorts political understanding.”

He added: “Talking about June 12 is to remind ourselves that we had Nigerians who commanded respect across the North, South, East and West.”

On Abiola’s resistance, he quoted: “When you find yourself already inside the river, why do you have to bother about the fact that you are wet?”

He added: “Freedom, even in poverty, is to be celebrated because you can lose both. Democracy does not promise a perfect society. What it promises is freedom to talk.”

Oshiomhole also said Nigeria has made democratic progress since 1999, citing reforms such as BVAS and provisions allowing suspension of elections where technology fails.

On the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), he defended National Assembly scrutiny following audit reports alleging about ₦210 trillion in unaccounted funds, insisting it was an oversight duty.

He backed President Tinubu’s economic reforms, including subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, describing subsidy as a source of corruption and distortion.

He also criticised the abolition of History as a school subject, describing it as misplaced and arguing that young Nigerians must know their origins. He said he would present the matter to the President, expressing confidence it would be favourably considered.

Oba Olu Falae, the Olu-Abo of Ilu-Abo and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, recounted sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle, describing it as a watershed in Nigeria’s political evolution.

He said Nigerians overwhelmingly voted for Abiola in a credible election that was annulled, triggering national outrage and resistance.

He noted that the annulment led to organised resistance, including the formation of NADECO and sustained opposition to military rule.

He recounted his detention and refusal to renounce his role, insisting the struggle was against military dictatorship.

He stressed that organised labour shut down economic activities in defence of democracy.

Falae warned that military rule must never return to Nigeria, noting that the struggle involved detention, exile and loss of lives but paved the way for the present democratic order.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, Segun Omojuwa, said June 12 symbolises hope, unity and the collective will of Nigerians, adding that it laid the foundation for modern democratic governance.

He commended Falae and Oshiomhole for their sacrifices and urged renewed commitment to defending democratic values against insecurity, institutional mistrust and civic apathy.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Chief Olusegun Odusanya; members of the State Executive Council; APC State Chairman, Hon. Babatunde Kolawole; members of the House of Assembly; local government chairmen; traditional rulers; religious leaders; labour leaders; and heads of security agencies.