June 12: Democracy Can Only Thrive In An Atmosphere Of Fairness, Transparency, Says Kalejaiye
Mojisola Lawal
Traditional ruler of Otumara community in the Lagos Mainland of Lagos State, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has urged government at all levels to be fair and just in handling issues relating to elections and election total matters.
Kalejaiye, in his June 12 Democracy Day speech commemorating heroes of democratic struggles, said democracy can only thrive in an atmosphere of fairness, transparent, and a level playing field for all concerned.
The social commentator, however frowned at a situation whereby some interests are marginalised while others are favoured.
Speaking on the heels of the just concluded Local government Congress and primary elections into the Lagos state House of Assembly by the All Progressives Congress in Lagos Mainland which was marred by name substitutions and imposition of unpopular candidates on the electorate, he said, the conduct of both the congress and primary negates the principles of democracy and equity.
Lagos Mainland, according to him, has been totally schemed out in the political arrangement of the state hence residents cry for liberty and the rightful demand for a voice in the governance of their affairs.
He said, “We must not lose touch of the unique lessons of the June 12 struggles. Given the good conduct and quality of that election, it remains an election to be emulated for it was the freest and fairest ever in the history of elections in the country but the victory and mandate of the winner of the June 12, 1993 election was unfairly and unlawfully stolen until it was restored by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
We seek good governance, a better life and the positive things that result from sustained good governance in Ebute-meta (west), Lagos Mainland in the spirit of June 12.
We totally condemned a state of affair whereby politicians from one part of the Local Government would be seen to be dictating and controlling the pace of governance and who gets elected for a particular position.
We frown at a situation whereby names of winners in an election would be substituted to favour unpopular candidates as was the case in the last Local government Congress and the Lagos state House of Assembly Primary elections.
As we mark this year’s Democracy Day, we appeal for a positive change and a new lease of life in Ebute-meta (west). We want to be heard and also be given the opportunity to be adequately represented.
We say no to marginalisation and suppression of our voices in a democracy.”
While praying for the souls of the martyrs of June 12 and the Democratic struggle continue to rest in peace, he commended all heroes of democratic both living and dead.
“My prayer, on this day, is for God to rest the soul of those that paid the ultimate sacrifice in the June 12 struggle. May their souls continue to rest in peace. And those of them that are alive, may God give them the strength and sound health to reap the fruit of their struggles.
I pray Nigerians unite to build a more industrious and peaceful society such that all Nigerians may enjoy a greater future.”
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