President Muhammadu Buhari has stressed the need to ensure a peaceful transition of power in 2023 in honour of the late M.K.O. Abiola.
Addressing Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast as part of the activities lined up to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day on Sunday, Buhari appealed to the electorate to ensure that Abiola’s sacrifices and that of other heroes of democracy were not allowed to go in vain.
Fellow Nigerians, Today, June The 12th, marks another Democracy Day anniversary and an occasion to celebrate the freedom and unity of our Nation.
He appealed to Nigerians to ensure peaceful and transparent process of electing a new leader when the people go to the polls next year.
“I remain committed and determined to ensure that a new president is elected through a peaceful and transparent process,” he said.
According to the Nigerian leader, the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary still remain united and committed to ensure the electoral reforms are fully implemented in the 2023 general elections.
“Fellow Nigerians, your right to choose your government will be preserved and protected.
“I know many of us are concerned with the rise in insecurity due to terrorist activities in parts of the country. As a government, we are working hard to contain and address these challenges. And ensure that the 2023 general elections are safe and secure for all Nigerians.
“To achieve this, however, we must all contribute. It is not the job of government alone. I ask all citizens to support and cooperate with our security agencies by reporting any suspicious characters and activities to law enforcement agencies. We can only have a safe country if we are able to prevent crime not after the crime has been committed.
“On this special day, I want us all to put all victims of terrorist activities in our thoughts and prayers. I am living daily with the grief and worry for all those victims and prisoners of terrorism and kidnapping. I and the security agencies are doing all we can to free those unfortunate countrymen and countrywomen safely,” he said.
The Nigerian government declared June 12 as Democracy Day to honour Chief MKO Abiola, who won the 1993 presidential election held on June 12 1993, which was annulled by the military government and Chief Abiola later died in detention.
GIK/APA