June 12: Olagoke Commends FG, Charges INEC To Ensure Free, Fair Election

Leader of Shafaudeen in Islam, Alhaji (Prof.) Sabit Ariyo OlAgoke JP has called on Nigerians to come together and ensure that the right person is voted as we move closer to the 2023 polls to honour those who sacrificed their lives for our democracy to thrive.

Prof. Olagoke, who is also the Mogaji of Ogun Elu, Are, Alaasa Dynasty in Ibadan, Oyo State, however, called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to work hard in ensuring free, fair and credible elections in 2023.

He made this appeal on Sunday during a brief chat with our correspondent, while congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the Democracy Day celebration.

The renowned cleric recalled that in the struggle for Nigeria‘s democracy, some Nigerians sacrificed their freedom, while many lives were lost and implored all not to allow efforts of the heroes of democracy be in vain.

“I join all well-meaning Nigerians home and abroad in celebrating the country’s Democracy Day. Indeed, June 12 remains a day to reckon with in Nigeria’s political history.

“As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, we must not forget that in the struggle to return our country to civilian rule, some patriotic Nigerians summoned the courage to sacrifice their time, freedom and lives. Many were jailed unjustly; many lives were lost including that of Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election.

“Therefore, it is not enough for us to celebrate Democracy Day every year, we need to ensure that efforts of heroes of Nigeria’s democracy are not in vain. The best way to ensure this is for us to collectively work towards achieving an improved democracy devoid of electoral manipulations, where people decide who govern them without any fear or intimidation.

“In strengthening our democracy, we need to ensure that justice, fairness and equity prevail in all our actions and decisions. Political parties must always be guided by internal democracy; members should be given a sense of belonging and the right to choose who lead them.

“In conclusion, democracy is participatory; all well-meaning Nigerians must be ready to take part in the democratic process right from the grassroots and make our impact felt. Once again, I wish everyone of us a happy celebration as we mark this year’s Democracy Day,” he said.

-Kunle Bakare.