The Social Democratic Party (SDP) says the memory of June 12 will continue to serve as an unfading guiding light in the quest for a sustainable Nigeria.
In a statement signed by Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, SDP said June 12 remains an ineffaceable watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
SDP said going by what presently obtains, and beyond political arguments, tokenism in mandate delivery, vacuous grandstanding, and the shenanigans of the political elites, Nigeria nation is not any way near the true ideals of the democracy for which the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO) fought and died.
“We do not appear to be on the desirable path of meeting the yearnings and aspiration of our people; government, today, is far detached from the noble cause of banishing poverty; of engendering a sane society and safe Nigerian landscape; of committing to making life truly meaningful for all Nigerians; of enthroning equity, social justice, and of building a good Nigerian society for all.
“Today, Nigeria celebrates, yet another national anniversary of the pride of place in the annals of our political history and the indelible marks that June 12, 1993, made in our national life, particularly as a historic watershed and being emblematic of our democracy, and shaping our collective efforts at nation-building.
“The SDP notes the date with fond reminiscences and a great reverence to the memory of the immortal symbol of our nacsent democracy, the late business mogul and African icon, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, GCFR, who threaded the heroic path of uncommon sacrifice of becoming a matyr so that democracy rule could take firm roots in Nigeria.
“June 12, 1993, was quite a defining moment in our journey towards democratic rule, and the date has become an eternal reference point in our journey towards nation-building.
“Today, as always, we celebrate the great sacrificial exertions of the late generalisiomo of the Yorubas, whose fame, impact and influence transcended his exalted noble title, as he became a national symbol of true service and the torch-bearer for national redemption.
“On this special day, we also choose to pay deserved tribute to all the great Nigerian patriots – heroes and heroines, who fell on the battlefield of the fierce democratic struggles of that era.
“Thirty-three years after, it is undeniable that our dear nation is still groping in the dark, searching for the right pathway to national development and is far away from fulfilling its manifest destiny and potential for greatness,” the statement read.
SDP said as Nigerians mark Democracy Day this year, the nation is sadly bogged down by the yoke of leadership conspiracy and the country is not appreciably moving towards attaining the lofty dreams and great vision that Abiola had for Nigeria and the people, and the transformational blueprint which an SDP government would have implemented in practical terms, for national development, beyond rhetoric.
“It is an understatement that our nation is today, faced with arrested development in all areas that matter!
“In order for the nation to truly honour the sweet memory of Abiola, we must ensure that democracy takes roots firmly in our country and is made to yield dividends to the people as it should.”
The SDP called on the government at all levels to prioritise the welfare of the people and the security of lives and property, in accordance with Section 14 (2)(b) and Chapter 2 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“All Nigerian citizens, must as a matter of duty, also rise up from their inhibiting docility, agonization and inaction, to organise, promote and strongly defend the democracy that they presently enjoy, which as a treasured gem, was burnished in furnace of fire, and which, as a planting, was watered with tears and blood of our heroes.
“As a truly national political party that commits to the Nigerian agenda, the SDP will continue to align with the true interests of Nigeria and Nigerians. It will consistently work and collaborate to promote the good of the country, and will stay consistent with its founding ideology and principles, while pushing the frontiers of democratic consolidation, human dignity, as well as promote national peace and security.
“As Nigerians regrettably wallow in a quandary of unprecedented national chaos, despair and despondency, and as they earnestly look to the immediate political future of the country in the face of pervasive poverty, rising economic hardship and mounting social tensions, the SDP remains the only assured credible alternative platform and national vehicle that will unite our diverse groups. The party remains the only true hope in the nation’s political milleu today for us to strengthen our shared identity, fix the rots and dysfunctionalties, and reinforce our fractured national unity.
“The SDP is the alternative credible political party in Nigeria, today, that Nigerians look up to, as one best primed in ideology, form, structure and patriotic orientation, to help build a cohesive national identity for our country, create a sense of belonging for all, remove all forms of social and economic disparities, make life meaningful for the people, and help to enthrone effective and functioning bureaucracy that will unleash the country’s latent potentials for greatness as the giant of Africa, beyond mere sloganeering.
“The cherished sublime spirit of MKO – of enhancing human dignity and making life truly meaningful for the people remains the driving ideology of the SDP, even in this trying time of great national distress. The party will, therefore, continue to work for its preservation and propagation, as we consolidate and get strongly positioned for the task of nation-building.
“Pains and weeping may endure a night, joy cometh in the morning. Let’s keep the faith in greater a Nigeria to come.”
