June 12: Nigerians Yet To Feel Impact Of Democratic Rule – Comrade Sumonu
A former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, has said Nigerians have not felt the impact of democratic rule since the nation transited from military rule 25 years ago.
Comrade Sumonu spoke on Wednesday, at a public lecture organised by the Osun State Civil Societies Coalition in collaboration with the Osun State Government to commemorate the 2024 Democracy Day, held at Adolak Events Hall in Osogbo, the Osun State Capital.
The lecture with the theme: The Impact of Economic Challenges on Democracy: Critical Democratic Lessons From Events Around West African Sub-region, had Governor Ademola Adeleke represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye in attendance.
Sumonu, who opined that the true objective of democracy celebration is making life easy for every Nigerian said the government has made living difficult with the present economic hardship.
According to Sumonu; “We are grateful for celebrating 25 years of democracy in Nigeria but we have not felt the impact of democratic rule. There is a surge in the price of goods. Let’s always be open to the government, things are not going the right way, there is hunger in the land, and Nigerians are in pain.
“I have not seen a nation as blessed as Nigeria. There is no reason why Nigeria should not make education free at all levels, that should be the objective of democracy celebration.”
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner For Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr. Bashir Salam underscored the celebration as a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian people to uphold the principles of democracy at ensuring that the voices of the citizens are heard.
According to him, “The celebration of June 12 symbolises the power of unity, the strength of collective action, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
“June 12 will stand as a testament to the resilience of the Nigerian people to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that the voices of the citizens are heard. Democracy Day is the period in which the spirit of our people bears relentless causes for justice and their steadfast commitment to democratic ideals. It symbolises the power of unity, the strength of collective action, and the resilient human spirit in the face of adversity.
“As we reflect on the journey that has brought us to this moment, let us not forget the sacrifices of our heroes who laid their lives for the sake of freedom of democracy. Our heroes’ indemnitable courage and selfless devotion to the cause, continue to inspire us and serve as a guiding light as we deliberate on the challenges of the present and the uncertainties of the future.
“It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of democracy, to uphold the rule of law, and to propose good governance. Let us strive to build a society where the rights and dignity of our citizens are respected, where the voices of the marginalised are heard, and where the promise of a better tomorrow is within the reach of every Nigerian.”
Other dignitaries and traditional rulers that attended the event included Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Owa of Igbajo Oba Ademola Makinde, Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Hon Akinwumi Akinjobi, Special Adviser Special Duties.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
