Democracy Day: Abiodun, Fintiri grant pardon to 46 inmates, commute death sentences of seven
…As Lagos, Benue, Kogi, other Governors make case for good governance
Abimbola Abatta and Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and his counter part, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State have granted pardon to inmates as part of the activities put in place to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day.
Nigerian NewsDirect reports that Democracy Day, marks the end of military rule in Nigeria and the restoration of a democratic system of government, symbolised by the swearing in of the first president-elect, Olusegun Obasanjo, on May 29, 1999.
In June 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari announced that the holiday will be celebrated every June 12 starting in 2019. Democracy Day had previously been observed every May 29.
To celebrate the Day, Governor Abiodun approved the committal of six convicts on death row to life imprisonment and also released 40 inmates.
The Governor made the pronouncement on Sunday while speaking at the June 12 commemorative anniversary and Nigeria’s Democracy Day, held at the M.K.O International Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.
He explained that the committal to life imprisonment and release of the convicted inmates is in accordance with the provisions of Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, (as amended) and Sections 4 and 5 of the Ogun State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (Establishment Law), Laws of Ogun State 2006.
Abiodun, who called on Nigerians to draw strength from the 1993 general election and make the 2023 exercise even better, equally advocated stringent punishment for violators of due process in elections, declaring that people’s ballots must count and be respected in 2023.
The governor noted that the struggles of June 12 as orchestrated by late MKO Abiola gave birth to the seamless democracy Nigeria has enjoyed in the last 29 years, emphasising that “only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability that we can truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for.”
While saying that the process to a free, fair and credible election begins, among other things, with voters’ participation in the registration exercise, Abiodun stressed that for the 2023 general elections to be a huge success, every eligible Nigerian must register to vote and actually take part in voting on the day of election.
“While it is heart-warming to note that in the last 29 years, we have enjoyed seamless civilian-to-civilian transition, it is only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability that we can truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for. People’s ballots must count and be respected, while violators of due process in elections ought to be dealt the full wrath of the law.
“If the ideals matter to us, religion and ethnicity too should not become campaign issues or determinants of who gets what, when, how in our body-politic or become primary considerations in our leadership recruitment and governance processes. I can envision how these Nigerians who gave their all would be cringing in their graves seeing us celebrating divisive vices and our do-or-die politicking,” the governor stated.
He urged political leaders and followers to keep hope and fair play alive in democracy, tasking them to fashion a way to ensure that will make democracy in Nigeria a means to an end, not an end in itself.
Abiodun further charged Nigerians to internalise democratic values and tenets of the late MKO Abiola and other heroes and heroines on democratic principles and practices.
“Our schools should teach them and we should hold them in our hearts and not our mouths. We labour in vain if we claim to have laid the ghost of June 12 to rest as long as Nigeria still experiences banditry, insurgency andA these, we should restore our country back to true federalism and ensure that powers are properly devolved,” he added.
The Governor, however, assured that his administration would continue to deliver on its electoral promises and fulfill the dreams of Ogun founding fathers.
“As our administration is in the final year of our first term in office, we will not drop the baton. We will continue to deliver on our mandate. In fact, the people of Ogun State should expect a faster pace in the actualisation of our electoral promises. We are determined that Ogun State shall fulfill the dreams of our founding fathers.
“As we reflect on the unquantifiable, selfless sacrifice and contributions of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other democratic legends towards the development of our fatherland, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to the service and unity of our great nation. Beyond this celebration, I enjoin you all to shun all acts that could be an albatross against the democratic success we have made and continued to sustain in our dear State in the last 36 months. This is the only way we can make progress and achieve our collective dream,” Abiodun submitted.
Highlights of the event included a march past by students, unions, organisations and associations, as well as observation of a minute silence for late Abiola and other legends of democracy.
Fintiri commutes death sentence of 1 inmate, pardons 6 others
In a similar development, Governor Fintiri has pardoned six convicts and commuted the death sentence of a condemned inmate to life imprisonment in Adamawa State.
This is contained in a statement by Press Secretary to the governor, Humwashi Wonosikou, on Sunday in Yola.
The statement read, “As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, has pardoned six inmates serving various prison terms in five Correctional Institutions across the state.
“Exercising the powers conferred on him by Section 212 (i)(b) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Fintiri also commuted the death sentence of another inmate to life imprisonment.”
Wonosikou said the seven convicts were serving their terms in Yola old, Jada, Numan, Mubi and Jimeta Correctional facilities, adding that the governor acted in line with the recommendations of the Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.
“The decision is part of efforts to decongest some of the over-burdened Correctional Centres as Nigeria marks Democracy Day.
“This day marks exactly a year when Gov. Fintiri equally pardoned 46 inmates serving prison terms across Correctional Institutions in Adamawa,” he said.
We‘ll continue to improve lives – Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has disclosed that the state government will continue to improve lives of the people, as such remains the ultimate goal of democracy.
Sanwo-Olu, who disclosed this in his Democracy Day message on Sunday, said that since 1999, successive governments in Lagos state have worked hard to meet the yearnings of the people, who have consistently given them their mandate.
“The ultimate goal of a democracy is to improve the lives of the people. As your elected government, we do not take this responsibility lightly at all.
“In education, healthcare, housing, transport, environment, technology, security, and many other areas, Lagos has continued to live up to its ‘pacesetter’ status,” he said.
The Governor said that as the present administration begun the final year of its first term in office, the focus would be on completing the many laudable programmes and projects it started.
According to him, even as this period will overlap with campaign season, the people of Lagos state can be rest assured that government will never allow politicking to get in the way of governance.
He said that the work for a “Greater Lagos” would continue, even as the administration sought for the mandate for a new term in office.
Sanwo-Olu thanked his cabinet members, the Lagos State Civil Service; Traditional Rulers, and the leadership of the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), for their immense dedication to the vision of a Greater Lagos.
“On this auspicious occasion of Democracy Day 2022, we celebrate all your efforts and commitment to the development of Lagos state, and to the strengthening of our democratic ideals.
“Let me also thank the leadership and members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for providing a platform for the manifestation of truly progressive ideas and solutions.
“To all Lagosians, our entrepreneurs, students, workers, homemakers, transport and market unions, religious and civic leaders, members of the civil society, and everyone else, thank you for your support,” he said.
He urged residents of the state to allow Democracy Day be a reminder of the importance of joining hands to build a solid future.
“Twenty-nine years ago on this day, Nigerians trooped enthusiastically to the polls, defying stereotypes of ethnicity and religion to prove to ourselves and the world that a new Nigeria is possible.
“Regrettably, the powers-that-be at the time truncated that dream. But it was merely a delay, not a denial.
“We have since been blessed with a new opportunity to build on the hope and the potential of June 12, 1993. That responsibility is now in our hands, and posterity will not forgive us if we squander it,” he said.
Ortom urges Nigerians to rise against anti-democratic forces
Meanwhile, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has urged Nigerians to be on the alert against anti democratic forces saying “We must guard our democracy jealously.”
In his goodwill message to Nigerians, Ortom said advocated for the need to strengthen democratic institutions in the country “so that the practice of democracy should not be at the dictates or the whims and caprices of a few individuals who think they will lord it over the general public but the wishes of the people.”
Ortom added: “Democracy should be our way of life. It is freedom to exercise our franchise in an uninterrupted environment. But insecurity that has forced majority of our away from their ancestral lands and made their living conditions less than humans because they are now forced to live in shanties is a major challenge. This is why the federal government must wake up to their responsibility and tackle the menace headlong.
“We cannot be celebrating democracy day when our citizens are now slaves and not free in their homes, schools, worship centres, workplaces and cannot go to their farms or even travel freely on our roads or by train. We must tackle the issue of insecurity courageously if we are to practice democracy freely.”
On the achievements of his administration, he said “in the last seven years, provided dividends of democracy in education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and other critical sectors of development, in the face of daunting economic and security challenges. We appreciate the people of Benue State for the support given us and assure them that our administration will not waver. We will sustain the tempo in this remaining year.”
Yahaya Bello tasks leaders on good governance, quality leadership
Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, says good governance and quality leadership remain key in delivering democratic dividends to citizens who entrust leaders with the responsibility of governance.
Bello said this yesterday, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed.
This is also as Bello urged current leaders not to deviate from the visions of Nigeria’s past heroes.
The governor, who noted that the efforts of elders and the youths were complementary in nation-building, therefore called for synergy of ideas and efforts of both, to sustain the sacrifices and democratic struggles of heroes and martyrs.
The Governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the post-humous recognition of late Chief MKO Abiola, and declaration of June 12, to honour a hero that fought for Nigeria’s democracy.
“The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has greatly deepened democratic practices in the nation, particularly in the area of free and fair elections, press freedom, administration of justice and open governance.
“And I strongly believe that the 2023 General Elections will reflect these principles like never before.
“Despite the numerous challenges we face, it is still the duty of government to guarantee security, unity and prosperity of all Nigerians.
“And our Party, the President’s party, the All Progressives Congress, will not shy away from this basic responsibility,” he said.
According to Bello, Abiola and many others, who are known or unknown, and who have strengthened democracy through many sacrifices, must never be forgotten, or their efforts allowed to diminish at any point in Nigeria’s history.
“We continue to recognise them as we also appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for the posthumous recognition of late Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.
Gombe Governor urges citizens to actively participate in electoral process
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has enjoined the people of Gombe State to continue to play their role in deepening democracy by actively participating in the electoral process.
The Governor made the appeal in a goodwill message marking the 2022 Democracy Day, in a statement by Ismail Misili, Director General Press Government House, and made available to journalists in Gombe on Sunday.
He noted that democracy had come to stay in the country, and called on the people of the state to get involved and remain steadfast as major stakeholders in the process of governance.
He commended the successful conduct of party congresses and primaries, calling on the people of the state to exhibit same maturity as the 2023 electioneering begins soon.
He urged the citizenry to take advantage of the opportunity of the continuous voters’ registration, especially those who just attained voting age or those that had not registered previously, to obtain their PVCs.
The Governor said the 23 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria had ushered in sustainable development in Gombe State, which helped in improving the lives of the people.
“For us in Gombe State, there is no denying the fact that democracy has ushered in a period of sustainable development for our dear state.
“The three successive civilian administrations have come and gone, paving the way for our own administration.
“Let me use this opportunity to pay tribute to our past and present leaders, who have contributed in deepening our democratic experience and strengthening our political culture.
“I therefore, call on us to rededicate ourselves to nation-building, remain united and frontally confront our problems with total commitment and prayers.
“We must always remember that the task of nation-building is a collective responsibility,” he said.
He urged the citizens to appreciate the state’s diversity through understanding and recognising the interests of various ethnic and religious groups as well as promoting brotherhood and respect for one another.
The Governor also reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to continually prioritise their well-being through the provision of socio-economic infrastructure, ensuring peace and security, law and justice as well as providing equal opportunities for all.
“To this end, we shall continue to engage all stakeholders, to give our people a sense of belonging.
“We will also remain focused to ensure the full actualisation of our vision for the creation of Gombe State, which is to build a prosperous, peaceful and all-inclusive state for all its people.
“Our objective is to build a broad developmental consensus for our dear state, on a foundation of shared ownership and collective responsibility.
“In this regard, we are meticulously implementing our novel 10-year Development Plan as a roadmap for the transformation of the state that aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set by the United Nations,” he said.
He added that “as a government that rode to the power on tremendous public goodwill, the verdict is clear- that we have been able to touch positively on the lives of our people.”
Democracy is the best system of government – Bauchi governor
Democracy is the best system of government, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, declared in Bauchi on Sunday.
He stated this in his goodwill message to mark the 2022 Democracy Day, noting that democracy gives the people the right to choose who to govern them and how they want to be governed.
He added that it is this democratic right of choice that makes governments accountable to the people and make them liable to be voted out for incompetence.
“It is my pleasure to address you today on the occasion of the 2022 Democracy Day to mark the 23rd anniversary of the return of our great country, Nigeria to democratic rule.
“As you all know, Democracy Day used to be observed annually on May 29. The Federal Government changed the date to June 12 in 2018, however, in honour of late Chief MKO Abiola.
“Abiola was the acclaimed winner of the presidential election of June 12, 1993, an election annulled by the then military government.
“That we are today celebrating the 23rd Democracy Day is a testimony to the fact that democratic governance has not only been firmly rooted but has also come to stay in Nigeria,” he said.
