Politics
June 12: Our democracy is in deep trouble – Peter Obi laments
Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 general election, while talking about June 12 expressed deep concerns about Nigeria’s democracy, stating that the nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.
In a statement posted on his verified Twitter account on Sunday, Obi lamented the erosion of the foundational pillars of democracy due to prevailing impunity, widespread violence, and loss of lives.
He regretted the absence of selfless leaders dedicated to the national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that would provide every Nigerian with the freedom to choose where to live, protection of lives and property, and guaranteed liberties.
June 12 is marked in our dear country as Democracy Day . It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated. On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule,
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) June 11, 2023
Peter Obi’s statement coincided with the commemoration of “June 12 Democracy Day” in Nigeria.
He emphasized the significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s collective journey toward true democracy, as it represented the nation’s resolute choice of the late Chief M. K.O. Abiola as a worthy leader. Obi pointed out that Nigerians demonstrated their unwavering preference for true democracy and transparent voting, even during military rule.
However, he expressed dismay over the expanding trust deficit between the leaders and the Nigerian people.
Peter Obi highlighted the urgent need for the government to respect and safeguard the institutions of the democratic state by fulfilling its responsibilities, meeting the people’s needs, and abiding by their wishes as outlined in the constitution. He emphasized the crucial role of upholding the rule of law in achieving these objectives.
“Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and peoples across the world. Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.
“However, the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious. We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems.
“Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of the government in this regard is respect for the rule of law,” the statement read in parts