Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has described the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari as a “tribute to courage”.
Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, on Friday described post-June 12, 1993, as the Nigeria’s longest democratic experience.
He said that the mere fact that it had endured for over two decades and still counting was an indication that Nigerians were “on the path of interminable democracy, enduring good governance and sustainable development’’.
According to him, June 12 was a symbol of Nigerians’ collective resolve to set aside their differences and sentiments to achieve a collective vision in the face of the stiffest of oppositions.
The governor congratulated President Buhari for actualizing “long yearnings of the people,” adding that June 12 was a reminder that Nigerians had what it takes to defend their democracy.
“I, therefore, extend deep gratitude to President Buhari for actualizing the long yearnings of the people for the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day.
“The day they freely gave their mandate to a candidate of their choice, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in an election regarded worldwide as the freest election in Nigeria.
“June 12 is symbolic of our collective resolve to set aside our differences and sentiments and speak as one people to achieve our collective vision even in the face of the stiffest of oppositions.
“It is a reminder that we have all it takes to defend our democracy,” Oyetola said.
