As Nigerians commemorate this year’s 12th day of June as ‘Democracy Day’, a Chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC in Oyo State, Barrister Akeem Agbje has described the moment as a memorable and an eventful period in the history of existence of the people of Oyo State, the nation as a democratic independent entity.
According to the Ibadan based Legal Icon and astute politician, 26 years of an uninterrupted democratic rule and most lengthy democracy to Nigerians is a long way to call which also calls for celebration as we could still stand as a people, a state, a nation and a voice, despite all odds and challenges of more than two decades in our journey towards true nationhood.
According to Barrister Agbaje known politically as ADEHUN, Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic sojourn over two-decades (1999 – 2025) had been characterized at a stretch with mixed experiences; the good and the bad, progress and retrogression, economic boom and upturn, upheavals and giant strides, success and challenges, hopes and successive fulfilments.
According to Barrister Agbaje “no matter how it appeared to us as individuals and a people, the fact is that the nation’s democracy has been sustained, though with more rooms for further improvement.
“I strongly believe that the years to come will be filled with positives, success stories, giant strides of achievements and unmatched synergy towards unity, development of sound democratic values and ultimately developing the Youths of our dear country, Nigeria.”
The Oyo State APC Chieftain further stated that, Nigeria’s core beliefs in attaining a peaceful nation still resonates possibility, only if the Government at all levels and leaders alike will do more in connecting with the electorates.
He reiterated that unlike other developed nations, Nigeria’s Democracy is still at its consolidation phase; but can keep growing from Strength to Strength.
Barrister Agbaje noted that the present administration of President Bola Tinubu owes the country a civic responsibility to protect the nation’s democracy.
He urged all tiers of government to learn from the obstacles Nigeria overcame, as a country, and the progress made thus far, to help strengthen the plans put in place to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.
The legal practitioner cum politician implored youths in Oyo state and Nigeria to take ownership of their States and dear country.
Barrister Agbaje added that as Youths, who make the chunk of the nation’s population (over 100 million Nigerian Youths), they have a vital role to play towards sensitizing the entire nation and the world at large, ‘Preaching Peace in Principle, Action and Speech’ then ‘Participate in Governance’ towards purposeful engagement and sustainable development.
Barrister Agbaje implored those in position of authority to consider the well-being of the majority to further strengthen the core values of the nation’s Democracy and propel it for a geometric progression towards the Nigeria of everyone’s Desire.
Barrister Agbaje noted that Nigerians should decide to raise the of the country beyond ethnicity, religion and other considerations.
Barrister Agbaje therefore called on the three arms of government to forge a common front of national interest and address important issues bothering on security, economic growth, infrastructural development, and well-being of Nigerians alongside other priorities.
The legal professional concluded that the Democracy Day should transcend the celebration and commemoration to incisive reflection so that the effort of her heroes past shall not be in vain.
