Lucky Aiyedatiwa, governor of Ondo, says the state is ready for the commencement of the state police initiative.
Aiyedatiwa spoke on Friday at the June 12 Democracy Day
event in Akure, the Ondo capital.
The House of Representatives had on Thursday passed the
constitutional amendment bill seeking to establish state police in response to
growing public concerns over recent uptick in insecurity.
Aiyedatiwa said the needed structure for state policing had
already been laid down by Rotimi Akeredolu, his predecessor.
“For us in Ondo state, we’ve been ready for a long time.
Even during the time of my late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,
SAN, the structure had been built, which I’ve also further strengthened,” he
said.
“We have the structure, we have the people and all that is
left is the approval of needed weapons and equipment.
“Yes, we have some equipment already that the law permits.
But we need to further fortify them with more sophisticated equipment that will
make them more effective and functional in the charge of their duty.”
The governor described June 12 as a defining moment in
Nigeria’s democratic history and a benchmark for credible elections anchored on
accountability, rule of law and public trust.
He said democracy is not a finished project but an evolving
process requiring constant strengthening of institutions.
He said the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as
the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history, remains the clearest expression of
the people’s will and should serve as a reference point for electoral integrity
and democratic conduct.
The governor, however, warned that insecurity remains a
direct threat to democratic consolidation, stating that violence, fear and
instability weaken civic participation and erode public confidence in
governance.
Aiyedatiwa said measures are in place to close security gaps
and sustain peace across the state, adding that development cannot thrive while
insecurity prevails.
‘ABIOLA STOOD FIRM FOR DEMOCRACY’
In his lecture at the event, Adams Oshiomhole, senator
representing Edo north, described June 12 as a symbol of courage, resilience
and democratic conviction anchored on the legacy of the late Moshood Abiola,
whom he called the conscience of Nigeria.
He said Abiola’s refusal to abandon his mandate despite
military pressure made him a global symbol of democratic struggle and
sacrifice.
He said the 1993 election demonstrated rare national unity,
with Nigerians voting across ethnic and religious lines.
“In celebrating Abiola, we are celebrating courage,
consistency, doggedness, commitment to nation and fearlessness. He stood firm
for democracy and he stood firm for Nigeria,” he said.
“Talking about June 12 is to remind ourselves that we had
Nigerians who commanded respect across the north, south, east and west.”
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