Photo caption: Pa Reuben Fasoranti
The Leader of pan-Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, Reuben Fasoranti has called on all the civil society groups to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria, for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.
Fasoranti, in a statement personally signed in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Wednesday, to celebrate this year Democracy Day, reminded them that democratic practice remains a work in progress.
He said, “June 12 is a reminder that although we come from different backgrounds with diverse perspectives, our shared goal of a prosperous Nigeria where equity, justice, social and economic well-being are at play is the driving force behind our determination to see this country progress.”
The Afenifere leader appreciated former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognizing June 12, 1993 and the winner of that day’s presidential election, Chief Moshood Abiola as well as some of the patriot who became heroes and heroines of what can be called “June 12, 1993 Saga.”
“This year’s Democracy Day is the second in the life of the administration of President Bola Tinubu. This statement would be incomplete without a reference to Tinubu administration given the fact that it is the one in the saddle at the moment.
“The main essence of June 12 celebration is to remind us that we, as Nigerians, irrespective of our diverse political, ethnic or religious inclinations, can work together in tackling the challenges confronting us, with a view to having a country of our dream.
“Once again, it needs to be emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy and development, is a work in progress requiring all hands to be on deck. I am confident that with the right attitude, visionary leadership and patriotic citizenry, we shall get to the promised land.”
He, therefore, congratulated Nigerians on this momentous milestone, adding that “it is a milestone because it represents the day democracy and civil rule were reclaimed and restored in Nigeria, after a prolonged, destabilizing military rule.
“We, therefore, call on all our compatriots, particularly the civil society groups, to collaborate with other progressive forces to deepen democratic practice and processes in Nigeria, for the benefit of this generation and generations yet unborn.”
Fasoranti also used the occasion to again call on both the Federal and States’ Governments to establish State Police along with Community Policing system forthwith.
“Because of the prime of place which security occupies in life, we acknowledge the efforts being made towards taming the menace which insecurity has become in the country.
“It is very important to note however that these efforts have not succeeded in freeing us from the clutches of bandits who seem to be spreading their tentacles in various parts of the country, especially in the northern part.
“We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police and checking internal collaborators appear to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to be making living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare.”
To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in Nigeria, Fasoranti also reiterated his strong view that Nigeria must be fully restructured.
“We acknowledge that some steps along this line have been taken. But the type of restructuring that can effectively serve the intended purpose is a full-blown concept that ensures true federalism and enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic.”
While commending President Tinubu for the re-activation of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Fasoranti said the project represents a renaissance of a national vision.
He explained that the project which was first conceptualized when late Festus Okoti-Eboh was Minister of Finance, was resurrected by Ibrahim Babangida administration after decades of abandonment.
Afenifere leader expressed shocked that the project was again abandoned before administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo brought it out and rechristened it East-West Road.
“It again suffered neglect like Badagry-Sokoto highway that was started by Shehu Shagari administration. Tinubu is hereby commended for not only ensuring that this long-awaited infrastructure see the light of the day, but is fast-tracked and done with the best quality.
“In this wise, he is also being commended for similar important road networks across the country such as Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano, 9th Mile-Otukpo Expressway, Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa road, Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway, Ore-Owo-Akure road, Badaary-Sokoto Highway, Abuja-Lokoja-Benin Road and Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, to mention a few.” Afenifere leader added.
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