The secretary-general of the Nigerian Union of Teachers has called for
measures to sustain democracy in Africa’s largest democracy as the
nation endorses June 12 as Democracy Day.
Dr Mike Ike-Ene made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen on
Wednesday in Abuja.
He, however, said there was urgent need to tackle problems in key
sectors of the economy, especially education and security to make
democracy to thrive.
Nigeria’s education sector has been in turbulence over the years,
characterized by strikes and shutdowns of tertiary institutions, while
security has been at it worst in decades, according to analysts.
Ike-Ene said that the June 12, 1993 election was the freest and
fairest election ever conducted in the country, referring to a
landmark election won by billionaire Chief Moshood Abiola.
The election was, however, annulled by former veteran military ruler
Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, throwing Africa’s most populous nation into a
pariah status that lasted for years.
“As a Nigerian, recognising June 12 as Democracy Day indicates to all
Nigerians, who are of voting age and who voted for M.K.O. Abiola that
election should be based on integrity.
“Despite the fact that the contestants were all Muslims, it was one of
the most keenly-contested and it was the freest and fairest election
we have ever conducted.
“Therefore, recognising it as Democracy Day shows really that
Nigerians have come to believe that the June 12 election was the best
we have ever had.
“Truly, looking at elections in our country, that is how an election
should be. We should do our selections, based on the sanctity and
integrity of those contesting no matter the sex, tribe or religion.”
Ike-Ene pointed out that Nigerians should refrain from being
sentimental in selecting their leaders but that they should look out
for those having integrity and better things to offer.
The scribe advised the three tiers of government to improve
infrastructure to make life worth living for Nigerians
