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VENO TV: Politics June 12: The Journey So Far? Nigerians React
Date: 12-06-26

By Kayode Adoide

As Nigeria commemorates the June 12 Democracy Day anniversary, prominent activists, politicians, legal practitioners, and democracy advocates have reflected on the nation's democratic journey, calling for reforms, accountability, peace, and greater citizen participation.
A group of democracy activists gathered at the residence of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola in Lagos to lay wreaths in honour of the symbol of Nigeria's democratic struggle. The activists urged Nigerian youths to remain vigilant and actively participate in nation-building while charging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy
.
Speaking during the commemoration, legal luminary James Igwe (SAN) called for the removal of money politics and violence from Nigeria's electoral process.
According to him, democracy can only flourish when the rule of law is respected.

"Let us remove money and violence from our elections. We must not overburden the courts. Let judges do their work independently. If we apply the rule of law in economic development, Nigeria will improve tremendously," he stated.
Former Senator Shehu Sani warned that the consequences of poor governance affect every citizen irrespective of status.
"If things go wrong, everybody will pay for it. Competent people with credentials must be given opportunities. Nigeria is one of the greatest nations in the world, blessed with enormous resources. We have what it takes to crush banditry. You do not have to be President before you contribute to solving national problems," he said.

On his part, democracy advocate Dr. Osawaru Okunzuwa noted that while democracy remains imperfect, it still offers citizens the opportunity for self-governance and constructive engagement.
"Any conscious Nigerian should not be happy with the current situation. Democracy gives us the opportunity to discuss issues and govern ourselves. There is no perfect democracy anywhere in the world, but government must pay greater attention to the welfare of the people," he said.
Also speaking, women's rights advocate Dayo Benjamin Olaniyi emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women in politics and governance.
"Democracy is about the people. Politics that encourages the participation of women will thrive. We do not want the rule of aggression; we want the rule of engagement. The June 12 conversation challenges us to reflect on where we missed it and how to move forward," she stated.
In his remarks, Jamiu Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Affairs and son of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola, reflected on the sacrifices of democracy heroes and the responsibility of current leaders.
"Some people struggled while others inherited the benefits of that struggle. We have a President who fought for democracy. This is the time to correct past mistakes. I believe the dreams and aspirations of my late parents can be actualized through this administration, particularly in areas such as local government autonomy and democratic development," he said.
Meanwhile, former Senate President Amen Ebute advised younger Nigerians to embrace education as a pathway to leadership and national development.
"My advice to the younger generation is simple: be educated. Education remains one of the strongest tools for personal and national progress," he said.
The June 12 anniversary once again provided a platform for Nigerians to assess the nation's democratic journey, celebrate its heroes, and renew calls for good governance, inclusion, security, and economic prosperity.
VENO TV Politics | 12-06-2026 www.venointernational.com

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