The apex Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has used the occasion of the commemoration of the June 12, anniversary, to call the attention of the federal and state governments, on the need to establish state and community policing as well as the restructuring of the country.
In a Democracy Day message today signed by the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, he noted that while citizens celebrate sustained democratic rule in Nigeria on this auspicious occasion, they’re reminded that democratic practice remains a work in progress, reports Daily Independent.
He said, “As another Democracy Day is being observed on June 12, 2025, I, on behalf of Afenifere Worldwide, wish to heartily congratulate Nigerians on this momentous milestone.
“It’s a milestone because it represents the day democracy and civil rule were reclaimed and restored in Nigeria, after a prolonged, destabilising military rule. Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the fourth republic, in Nigeria.
“We’re happy to note that the progressive forces remain alert, committed and active. And we’re confident that the progressive spirit will continue to sustain and nurture democratic ideals in Nigeria.
“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’s 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 views 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.
“I’m therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and states governments to establish State Police along with the Community Policing system forthwith.
“To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the county, we reiterate our 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.
“We appreciate former President Muhammadu Buhari for officially recognising June 12, 1993 and the winner of that day’s presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola as well as some of the patriots who became heroes and heroines of what can be called ‘June 12, 1993 Saga’.
“Thus, 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.
“This year’s Democracy Day is the second in the life of the administration of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu. This statement would be incomplete without a reference to the Tinubu administration given the fact that it’s the one in the saddle at the moment.
“The re-activation of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway by the Tinubu administration represents a renaissance of a national vision. The project was first conceptualized when late Chief Festus Okoti-Eboh was Minister of Finance.”
“After decades of abandonment, it was resurrected by Ibrahim Babangida administration, only to be put in the cooler again. The Olusegun Obasanjo administration brought it out and rechristened it ‘East-West Road’. It again suffered neglect like Badagry-Sokoto Highway that was started by the Shehu Shagari administration.
“President Tinubu is hereby commended for not only ensuring that this long-awaited infrastructure sees 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, Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, to mention a few.
“The institution of Students Loan Scheme, provision of tuition-free and free feeding for students of Technical Colleges and efforts to breathe life into local governments are other areas worthy of commendation.
“I wish to state that 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 dreams.
“Once again, it needs to be emphasised that Nigeria’s democracy and development, is a work in progress requiring all hands to be on deck. I’m confident that with the right attitude, visionary leadership and patriotic citizenry, we shall get to the Promised Land.
With the best wishes and compliments of myself, my family and Afenifere family worldwide, I again, Nigerians on this occasion of observing 2025 Democracy Day.”
