June 12 : Insecurity, direct threat to Nigerian democracy – Aiyedatiwa

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has described insecurity as a major threat to the sustenance of democracy in the country..

The governor called on collective efforts to sustain the ongoing democratic government in Nigeria.

He stated this at the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the June 12 Presidential Election , held in Akure, the state capital .

The anniversary was themed, ‘June 12 And beyond: reflecting on the progress of democracy and security concerns

Aiyedatiwa noted that democracy could only be sustained by the collective commitment of the citizens to uphold its values and principles in everyday governance and civic engagement but in an atmospheleaders alike embracere of insecurity, civic participation in governance would not be encouraged.

He 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 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. 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. Insecurity, therefore, poses a direct threat to the consolidation and sustenance of democracy itself.”

The governor, however, commended President Bola Tinubu for ongoing efforts to address insecurity across the country,.

He noted that the Tinubu administration had continued to show a strong commitment to addressing insecurity in Nigeria “under the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

“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.

“The President has also repeatedly expressed support for decentralised policing and community-based security to improve grassroots security and intelligence gathering across communities.”

Aiyedatiwa also emphasised that this administration under the “OUR EASE Agenda” had demonstrated 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 a daily basis to safeguard our communities” the governor stressed.

Speaking the guest speaker and former governor of Edo State, Senator Adam Osiomole, emphasised the beauty of democracy, saying it enabled the citizens to query the political leaders and to debate meaningfully at the state and national assemblies.

“Democracy is not merely about elections; it is about accountability, transparency and the willingness to ask hard questions, regardless of who occupies public office.Democracy empowers ordinary people to challenge powerful interests, demand justice and defend the public good.

“Democracy does not promise a perfect society. What it guarantees is the freedom to speak, the freedom to criticize, and the protection of the rule of law. If you break the law, you are taken before a court, not detained indefinitely without trial.”