Oshiomhole Hails Abiola’s Sacrifice, Pushes for State Police as Aiyedatiwa Declares Ondo Ready
AKURE, ONDO STATE
Former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has described the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola as a symbol of courage, integrity and democratic resilience, saying his refusal to compromise the June 12, 1993 mandate remains one of Nigeria’s greatest lessons in leadership and patriotism.
Speaking as the guest lecturer at the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration in Ondo State themed “June 12 and Beyond: Reflecting on the Progress of Democracy and Security Concerns,” Oshiomhole said Abiola’s steadfastness in the face of military pressure demonstrated that some principles are worth more than wealth, power or even life itself.
According to him, the late winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election could have traded his mandate for personal comfort but chose instead to stand with millions of Nigerians who voted for him.
“Abiola taught us that not everything can be monetised. Money does not always deliver happiness, and even death might be a fair price to pay for principle,” Oshiomhole said.
The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recalled his involvement in negotiations with the military government and revealed that both former military ruler General Sani Abacha and other government officials sought to persuade Abiola to renounce his claim to the presidency.
Oshiomhole recounted how Abiola consistently rejected offers and conditions for his release from detention, insisting that he remained the duly elected President of Nigeria.
He also paid tribute to elder statesman and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae, now the Olu of Ilu-Abo, for his role in governance and dialogue during Nigeria’s turbulent political years.
Parliament Built on Debate, Not Uniformity
Speaking on the performance of the current National Assembly, Oshiomhole defended the legislature, noting that disagreement and debate are essential features of parliamentary democracy.
He said Parliament is naturally a “house of contestation” where lawmakers with different political ideologies and interests negotiate, persuade and lobby to achieve consensus.
The senator also praised former Senate President Ken Nnamani for resisting the controversial third-term agenda during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing his action as a lasting example of principled leadership.
“What leaders do in moments of pressure will always be remembered,” he said.
Tinubu Determined to Deliver State Police
On security, Oshiomhole disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to accelerating constitutional amendments that would pave the way for the establishment of state police across Nigeria.
According to him, the President has directed lawmakers to push for the necessary constitutional changes, which would require approval by the National Assembly and endorsement by at least two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.
He explained that the move would empower regional security outfits such as Amotekun to evolve into fully recognised state police structures capable of receiving advanced equipment and operating under state governments.
“The President is very determined. He has told us point blank to get it done, but it must follow constitutional processes,” Oshiomhole stated.
Democracy Has Delivered Progress Despite Challenges, Speaker Says
A prominent democracy advocate has argued that while Nigeria still faces significant challenges, the country’s democratic journey since 1999 has produced measurable progress and created opportunities for greater reforms in the years ahead.
Speaking at a forum on democracy and security, the speaker said no nation is perfect and that governance will always face emerging challenges. However, he maintained that sustained changes have taken place over the years and that further improvements are being recorded under the current democratic system.
Addressing an audience that included students, civil society groups, market women, labour unions and political leaders, he contrasted democratic governance with military rule, noting that military administrations rarely engaged citizens in open dialogue. He also emphasized that traditional institutions have a vested interest in preserving democracy and democratic values.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic development since the return to civilian rule in 1999, the speaker acknowledged that progress had not always been smooth. He cited concerns over electoral malpractice during the 2003 elections, recalling a period when elections were widely criticized for irregularities and political interference.
Despite these setbacks, he argued that Nigeria’s democratic institutions have gradually become stronger. As an example, he highlighted the National Assembly’s rejection of a proposed constitutional amendment that would have allowed then-President Olusegun Obasanjo to seek a third term in office.
According to him, the decision helped safeguard constitutional term limits and prevented the emergence of a prolonged presidency similar to those seen in some African countries. He said the resistance to the amendment demonstrated the growing strength of democratic forces and institutions in Nigeria.
The speaker further noted that democracy has enabled political competition, leadership renewal and broader participation in governance, adding that many current political leaders might never have had the opportunity to serve if democratic principles had not been protected.
While acknowledging that Nigeria’s democratic journey remains a work in progress, he maintained that the country has recorded important achievements over the past 27 years and expressed confidence that more qualitative changes would occur in the future.
He also reflected on unresolved issues in the country’s democratic history, including the assassination of a forme
Ondo Ready for State Police – Aiyedatiwa
Responding to questions on the readiness of Ondo State for state policing, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa declared that the state has long prepared for such a transition.
The governor said the security architecture inherited from his late predecessor, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has been strengthened and remains operational.
According to Aiyedatiwa, Ondo already possesses the personnel and structures needed for state policing, with additional sophisticated equipment being the major requirement.
“For us in Ondo State, we have the structure, we have the people, and all that is left is the equipment to further strengthen them and make them more effective,” the governor said.
June 12 Remains Symbol of National Unity
Oshiomhole further noted that the June 12, 1993 election demonstrated Nigeria’s capacity for unity beyond ethnic and religious divisions, recalling that Nigerians across regions overwhelmingly supported Abiola and his running mate, Babagana Kingibe, despite both being Muslims.
He warned against the growing use of religious and ethnic sentiments in politics, arguing that nation-building should focus on competence, integrity and service rather than identity.
The senator concluded that the significance of June 12 lies not only in the restoration of democracy but also in the enduring lessons of sacrifice, accountability and unwavering commitment to the will of the people
