The governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State for the November 16 governorship election, Hon Agboola Ajayi, has expressed disappointment over the way democracy is being practiced under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the country.
Ajayi in his letter to the people of the state in commemoration of Democracy Day acknowledged the role played by Chief MKO Abiola and all heroes of democracy and the possibility of a better tomorrow.
However, he said the challenges facing the nation, and the conflicts heightened by political, communal, ethnic, religious, and economic crises, corruption, wanton looting, and hardship inflicted upon Nigerians under the APC-led administration made the celebration a very painful far cry from what the democracy should signify.
According to him, the nation and the state deserve the true dividends of democracy, good governance, accountability, and transparency saying the people deserve leaders who would put the people first and work tirelessly to improve our lives.
His words “We must therefore use this day to first renew our commitment to the struggle for a better Nigeria, and work together to demand the leadership we deserve.
“Our democracy which forms the basis of governance must be seen to be resting on its recognised pillars which are; free and fair elections ensuring every citizen’s right to vote, and that votes are counted, the separation of powers creating the needed balance of power among the legislative, executive, and judicial arms of government.
“Our democracy must be seen to respect the rule of law which helps ensure equal treatment under the law, and that laws are enforced fairly while giving room for the independence of the media, freedom of the press, and access to accurate information.
“The democracy we love and practice should have the ability to call for active citizenship. Nigerians must be able to participate freely in engagements and processes and be able to hold leaders accountable without fear or intimidation while also safeguarding the rights of every citizen, thereby promoting social justice and ensuring government transparency, and accountability for actions.
“We must hold firm to these pillars and deepen our democracy with the continuous call for institutional reforms, constitutional review, electoral reforms, civic engagements, and political party reforms. I reiterate that I remain committed to working closely with my people; the good people of Ondo state, to build a brighter future for our state and our country.”
