The gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Ogun State, in the last election, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has raised hopes of more prosperous Nigeria going forward.
Ajadi expressed the optimism while admonishing Nigerians in his Democracy Day message which he titled: “Dear Nigerians, let’s not forget the morals of June 12.
He said as Nigerians celebrate June 12, 1993, that it was necessary to reflect on the many lessons of the day, adding that it was a day that witnessed a great event in the annals of the country.
“Nigerians in one voice, despite differences in faith, ethnicity and class came out in one voice and unanimity of their political decisions, showed that the peace and progress of our great country towers above everything else.
“This they did by their votes; they chose a pair they felt could steer their affairs aright. It was a Muslim-Muslim ticket, but Nigerians voted them.
“By this, I refer to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) pair of Alhaji Moshood Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, presidential and vice presidential candidates respectfully.
“Though that election was eventually nullified by those opposed to genuine democracy in the country, because of their selfish motives, the lessons can never be erased by any military action”
Ajadi said though the decisions of the generality of Nigerians in that election were not allowed to prevail, but that the lessons remain important.
“One of its many lessons is that free and fair election is possible in this country.
“Second is that Nigerians know and will identify with quality leadership when they see one.
“Third and very critical is that we should not allow selfish politicians to use the card of ethnicity to deny us of quality leaders whenever they show up. if we do, we will stand to suffer the consequences”.
in the Democracy Day message, he also referenced with the last general elections in the country which he said was characterised with irregularities, advising Nigerians to continue to work towards a better Nigeria despite differences.
“Yes, different ethnic groups may have been foisted together as one country by British colonialists, but we cannot continue to use that as excuse not to unite and move forward.
“As a matter of fact, there is no one country in the world where there are no ethnic or class divides, but these countries have continued to forge ahead with good leadership. Nigeria could do the same”, he admonished..
A more united, and a more progressive country, he said was possible, and should therefore be the resolve of Nigerians going forward.
