By Adeyemi Adeleye
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has paid glowing tributes to the heroes of the June 12 struggle, cautioning against actions capable of scuttling Nigeria’s democracy.
The party noted that the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today, urging Nigerians to remain united in preserving democracy.
The APC Chairman in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, said this in a statement issued on Friday to commemorate Democracy Day.
Ojelabi said June 12 remained a powerful symbol of sacrifice, patriotism and the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.
He paid glowing tributes to the late Chief MKO Abiola and other democracy activists.
“Today, we pay solemn tribute to the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, GCFR, the symbol of the June 12 struggle, whose sacrifice remains one of the defining moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“We also honour the memory of the late Kudirat Abiola and countless pro-democracy activists, journalists, labour leaders, students, women, civil society advocates and ordinary Nigerians.
“Their sacrifices remain the bedrock of the democratic freedoms we enjoy today, and their legacy continues to inspire our collective pursuit of justice, freedom, national unity and progress.”he said.
The APC chairman also commended former President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
He said the decision corrected a historical injustice and immortalised the heroes of the democratic struggle.
“The APC Lagos State Chapter salutes former President Muhammadu Buhari for his historic decision to officially recognise June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
“That courageous decision corrected a long-standing historical injustice and permanently aligned our national democratic celebration with the true symbol of the Nigerian people’s democratic struggle.
“It also accorded deserved national honours to Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other heroes of democracy,” he said.
Ojelabi praised President Bola Tinubu for his role in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.
He said Tinubu remained one of the foremost champions of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Ojelabi said: “We also salute President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,, a foremost democrat and one of the leading figures in the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate.
“His courage during the darkest days of military rule and his contributions to the pro-democracy movement have earned him a distinguished place in Nigeria’s democratic history.
“Today, under his leadership and the Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria is pursuing bold reforms aimed at strengthening institutions and expanding economic opportunities.”
The APC chairman called on Nigerians, particularly party members and stakeholders, to uphold the values of peace, unity and mutual respect.
He said unity remained critical to preserving democratic gains and ensuring national progress.
“As we commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the party calls on all members, leaders, stakeholders and supporters to continue to uphold the values of peace, unity, discipline, loyalty and mutual respect.
“We must not allow personal interests or temporary disagreements to undermine the unity that has remained our greatest strength.
“Let us remain united in purpose and focused on the greater objective of advancing the progress and prosperity of Lagos State and Nigeria.”
Ojelabi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to deepening democracy, promoting good governance and supporting policies aimed at national development.
He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the sacrifices of June 12 heroes in building a stronger, more prosperous and united country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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