Buhari: June 12 brought out the best in Nigerians

President Mohamadu Buhari, in his democracy day speech yesterday, said that June 12, 1993, presidential election brought out the best in Nigerian citizens.

How?
Noting that the speech was his last as president, as the country would have elected a new president by next year’s edition, Buhari said the country saw the best of its citizens in the June 12, 1993 election as they went out peacefully to cast their votes, an election that is widely regarded as Nigeria’s fairest ever. Ironically, “by June 24th, 1993, we also saw the worst of our leadership as the elections were annulled”, Buhari said.

Past Sacrifices And Future Elections
Buhari urged Nigerians to never forget the patriotism, peaceful struggle, and other sacrifices of the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy, and to let them guide us as we choose leaders now and in the future. The president said that in honour of Chief M.K.O Abiola, GCFR (the presumed winner of June 12), Nigerians must work together to ensure that the 2023 transition is done in a peaceful manner.

How can that be, in the midst of widespread insecurity?
The president, who said he lives with grief and worry over the victims of insecurity, noted that new personnel are being recruited and are being trained across all security and intelligence agencies to strengthen the country’s overall security. “We have reformed some of our security structures. Some of the defense assets we procured three years ago have arrived and have been deployed”, he said.

He concluded by assuring Nigerians of his commitment to protect Nigeria and Nigerians from all enemies from within and outside. “I am also promising you a free, fair, and transparent electoral process. And I am pleading with all citizens to come together and work with government to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.”