Lawan, Gbajabiamila greet Nigerians, say June 12 reference point for credible polls

• Deepen democracy through electoral reforms, group tells FG
• Buhari addresses nation today

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, yesterday described June 12, 1993 as a legacy for free, fair and credible elections and a memorial that Nigerians stoutly rose above ethnic and religious sentiments.

He stated this in his democracy day message to Nigerians in a statement from his media office, saying June 12, 1993 delivered a pan-Nigerian mandate for the revival of hope, unity and attainment of the country’s great potential.

Describing the day as a reference point for credible elections, he said, “The heroic demonstration of patriotism by the Nigerian voters on June 12, 1993 will continue to inspire generations of compatriots to promote national unity and defend the country’s democracy.

Besides, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila congratulated Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day, saying since 1999, Nigeria had come a long way in democratic practice, noting that the country’s democratic experience was developing by the day.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, he said he believed Nigeria had learnt a lot in the last 21 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to remain united in the face of daunting challenges facing the country and called for prayers to overcome the several security challenges in parts of the country.

Also, the Centre for Liberty (CFL) urged the Federal Government to recommit to electoral reform to deepen the nation’s democracy. It appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to use June 12 to recommit to enduring electoral reforms by tasking the National Assembly on timely passage of the new Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2019 currently before the Senate and sign it into law once it is transmitted to him.

In a statement issued by its conveners, Ariyo-Dare Atoye and Adebayo Raphael, the group pointed out that it was time for the Ninth National Assembly to “learn from the impasse between the Executive and the Eighth Legislature over a similar proposed legislation and ensure that the bill is passed this year.”

Meanwhile, President Buhari will address the nation at 7a.m. today to commemorate Democracy Day. In a statement yesterday, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, urged television, radio stations and other electronic media to hook on to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Radio Nigeria for the broadcast.