Democracy Day: Pyrates Confraternity Commemorates Nigeria’s Democracy, Rallies Support For Govt At All Levels

The National Association of Seadogs (Jolly Rogers Deck) otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity on Wednesday embarked on sensitization and public awareness on the significance of democracy day.

The Association called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in carrying out their civic responsibilities while supporting governments at all levels as they continue to stove to chart a part for national development and growth.

The Capoon, National Association of Seadogs (Jolly Rogers Deck) Olufemi Adesope, in a statement yesterday, June 12, said the public awareness and sensitization campaign was imperative to raise the significance of celebrating the day nationally.

“The National Association of Seadogs (a.k.a Pyrates Confraternity), in commemoration of the June 12 Democracy Day, 2024, join hands with governments at all levels, government agencies, other MDAs, the civil society organizations and community groups across various backgrounds; we felicitate with all peoples and institutions on this year celebration of Democracy Day.

“As a society- focused organization, the National Association of Seadogs found this year Democracy Day as the most significant point of reference and beckon of hope for Nigeria’s projected development.

“It is important to say unequivocally that Nigeria still remain a beckon of respect and hope to other African countries for staying 25 years after return to civil rule, and without any form of military hijack or coup de tats.

“Since our return to civil rule in May, 1999, we have continued to develop our democratic institutions and build our civil societies in tandem with basic needs of survival and living prosperously as a country, even despite our varying ethnic backgrounds and cultural diversity.

“Nigerians are today marking the longest continuous civilian rule since Nigeria’s independence in 1960. In view of the importance of June 12 in the history of Nigeria, former President Muhamadu Buhari on 6th June 2018, set aside this day June 12 of every year as Nigeria’s democracy day.

“We will also like to remember the June 12, 2023 Democracy Day celebration of President Tinubu, who was barely 2 weeks in office. It was on record that President Tinubu made his unequivocal point about the struggle against the annulment of the June 12 elections.

“In his words, President Tinubu stated that “the democracy that will yield the right dividends to the people who are shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and the rights to get people into elective offices.

“It means social and economic justice for the people” and it was this reason that MKO Abiola believed that democracy offered the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty.

“Generally, Democracy Day carries huge significance for many Nigerians. It was on this date in 1993 that a general election was held for the first time since the 1993 military coup, which toppled the democratically elected government of late President Shehu Shagari.

“In the eyes of many of us and the international community, June 12, 1993 election was the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election ever held in Nigeria. It was an election that an estimated 14 million Nigerians set aside any ethnic, religious, class and regional affiliations, to elect their president with the hope of ending several years of military dictatorship. Unfortunately, the euphoria was short-lived, the election results were never released till today.

“As much as Nigerians celebrate what June 12 represents in our history today, Nigerians must not lose sight of the inherent lessons in the June 12 struggle. The government and indeed all Nigerians must ensure that the failed promises of June 12 such as abrogation of poverty, equity, and Justice are actualized.

“It is therefore necessary to urge the current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led federal government to realign his administration to what he stood for during the NADECO struggle and the struggle against the military regime.

“President Tinubu must realize that economic prosperity, security of life and properties, provision of affordable education, and good healthcare systems should be the hallmarks of building a one united Nigeria.

“The spirit of June 12 was known for fairness, equity, and Justice; this we believe should form the fulcrum of governance in today Nigeria.

“While June 12 serves as a continuous reminder to Nigerians on the imperative of pursing the cause of justice in all spheres of life as a necessary condition for peace and progress, the government should also renew its commitment to utilizing democracy as a vehicle for eliminating poverty, and strife from the Nigerian state so that at the end Peace, Justice and Security and economic development will be evident in every community, local government areas and states in particular.” Adesope said.

 

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