|
Listen Now
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A June 12 Reflection
by Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)
Concerned Citizen and Advocate for Grassroots Development
Today, we mark another June 12 — Nigeria’s Democracy Day — a day that symbolizes the hope, sacrifice, and struggle of countless Nigerians who fought for freedom, fairness, and true representation.
It is a day that honors the memory of Chief M.K.O. Abiola and the spirit of the 1993 election, adjudged the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history. Yet, despite this profound legacy, we must ask ourselves: What has become of our democracy?
A Nation in Decline
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, what we are witnessing is not democracy in its true essence, but a descent into civilian dictatorship — a system where the will of the people is muffled, dissent is demonized, and power is consolidated in the hands of a few.
The economic hardship Nigerians are enduring today is unprecedented. From the relentless rise in fuel prices to the freefall of the naira, from soaring food inflation to mass unemployment, the quality of life has drastically deteriorated. This is not the democracy we envisioned. It is instead a regime of suffering, silence, and shattered dreams.
Broken Promises and Power Without Purpose
We must call this administration what it is: arguably the most disappointing in our democratic history. Never before have Nigerians been so burdened with hopelessness. Policies are imposed without adequate consultation. Institutions are weakened rather than strengthened. The people’s voices are ignored while corruption festers unchecked.
🗣 “Democracy is not about holding elections every four years. It is about accountability, transparency, and service to the people.”
But in today’s Nigeria, our leaders speak of democracy while acting in direct contradiction to its values.
Let Us Be Vigilant, Not Just Celebrate
Let this June 12 not just be a day of ceremony, but a day of sober reflection and renewed resolve. Let it remind us that the price of liberty is eternal vigilance. We must not allow the sacrifices of those who came before us to be in vain.
Fellow Nigerians, the future of this nation lies in our hands. We must rise above fear and apathy. We must speak truth to power. We must organize, mobilize, and demand the Nigeria we deserve — a Nigeria where democracy is not a mere word, but a living, breathing reality for every citizen.
Democracy must live in Nigeria — not as a shadow of itself, but in full, bold spirit.
🇳🇬 God bless the people of Nigeria.
🇳🇬 God bless our future.
🗓 Happy Democracy Day.
📝 The views expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Newspot Nigeria.
