Lagos Assembly Honours Democracy Heroes, Directs Clerk To Write Them

The Lagos State House of Assembly has resolved to honour those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy, including President Bola Tinubu GCFR, with a formal letter of appreciation.

The significance of June 12 was highlighted at the plenary on Monday, June 16, by various lawmakers who urged the importance of not only celebrating but actively practicing democracy.

While emphasising that democracy should be actively engaged, not merely discussed, Hon. Aro Moshood of Ikorodu 2 Constituency stated, “June 12 is a date not just important in our calendar but crafted in our memory.”

Also, Hon. Ajayi Oladele of Ibeju Lekki 2 expressed gratitude for the democratic freedom being enjoyed today, adding, “We should continue to give glory to Almighty God.”

In his submission, Hon. Stephen Ogundipe of Oshodi-Isolo Constituency 1 reflected on the lives lost in the struggle and said, “June 12 is yet a day some of us will never forget… There is dignity in standing for what is right.”

Similarly, Hon. Shabi Adebola added that June 12 is a day of sacrifice; “It is a date we must never forget as lives were lost, but those sacrifices laid the foundation for better leadership.”

Calls for appreciation of President Tinubu were echoed by Hon. Solomon Bonu of Badagry, who recognised the President as ‘the last man standing, and Hon. Lukman Olumoh of Ajeromi Ifelodun who underscored the pivotal role of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in shaping the current democratic landscape.

On his part, Hon. Kehinde Joseph of Alimosho said that the most meaningful outcome of June 12 is the freedom Nigerians now enjoy.

He further advocated for a statutory meeting every June 12 to discuss state issues because, “If not for democracy, we wouldn’t have the platform to fight for our rights and freedoms.”

Hon. Tobun Abiodun of Epe Constituency 1 reminded all present that the legacy of June 12 cannot be discussed without remembering key figures such as Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane.

He also praised President Tinubu for his efforts in infrastructure development and economic revitalization.

Lending his voice, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye explained that Democracy Day represents the will of the people being undermined by the military regime.

“The election of that day was annulled, but Nigerians stood firm. We must never forget the struggle that brought us to where we are today, and we must never return to military rule”.

In his closing remarks, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his enduring contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey and for standing strong in the face of all opposition.

The Speaker further harped on the necessity of promoting institutional independence to ensure a thriving democratic environment because “Until we have State Houses of Assembly that are truly independent of influence and the control of the Executive, democracy will not be sustained.”

The House unanimously agreed that the Clerk of the House, Mr Olalekan Onafeko, should write to all the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy to appreciate their selfless contributions to the nation.