The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the life imprisonment of six death row prisoners and the release of 40 detainees as part of events honouring the 2023 Democracy Day.
The governor made the announcement on Sunday at the M.K.O International Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun state capital, during the commemorative celebration of Nigeria's Democracy Day.
He explained that the inmates were sentenced to life in prison and then released in accordance with Sections 212 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as Sections 4 and 5 of the Ogun State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy (Establishment Law), Laws of Ogun State 2006.
Abiodun, who urged Nigerians to build on the success of the 1993 general election to make the 2023 election even better, also advocated harsher penalties for election irregularities, stressing that voters' ballots must count and be recognised in 2023.
The governor emphasised that "only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability can we truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for," adding that "only by upholding the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability can we truly honour the memory of those ideals that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for."
While stating that the process of a free, fair, and credible election begins with voter engagement in the registration process, Abiodun emphasised that in order for the 2023 general elections to be a big success, every eligible Nigerian must register to vote and vote on election day.
"While it is heartening to note that we have had a smooth civilian-to-civilian transfer over the previous 29 years, we can really honour the memory of the principles that Chief MKO Abiola and others stood and died for only by respecting the tenets of democracy and ensuring its sustainability."
People's votes must be counted and respected, and those who violate due process in elections should face the full force of the law.
"If ideas are important to us, religion and ethnicity should not be campaign topics or determinants of who gets what, when, and how in our political system, nor should they be significant considerations in our leadership recruitment and governance procedures." "
I can see these Nigerians who sacrificed their all writhing in their graves as they watch us celebrate divisive vices and do-or-die politics," the governor said.
He challenged politicians and their supporters to keep optimism and fairness alive in democracy, and tasked them with devising a strategy to make democracy in Nigeria a means to an end rather than an end in itself.
Abiodun also urged Nigerians to internalise the democratic ideas and tenets of the late MKO Abiola and other heroes and heroines in the fight for democracy.
"They should be taught in our schools, and we should keep them in our hearts rather than our words."
If we claim to have put the ghost of June 12 to rest if Nigeria is still plagued by banditry, insurgency, and ethnic champions, we are wasting our time.
Instead of all of this, we should restore true federalism to our country and ensure that powers are properly devolved," he continued.
The governor, on the other hand, pledged that his administration would keep its election pledges and realise the ambitions of Ogun's founding fathers.
"As we enter the final year of our first term in office, we will not relinquish the baton." We shall continue to carry out our mission. In fact, the people of Ogun State should anticipate a quicker implementation of our electoral pledges. We are adamant that Ogun State would realise the aspirations of our forefathers.
"As we reflect on Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola's unquantifiable, selfless sacrifice and contributions to the development of our fatherland, I exhort us all to rededicate ourselves to the service and unity of our great nation."
Beyond this celebration, I implore you to abstain from any actions that could jeopardise the democratic progress we have made and maintained in our great State over the last 36 months.
This is the only way we can advance and realise our common goal." Abiodun made a submission.
The ceremony featured a march past by students, unions, organisations, and associations, as well as a minute of silence for late MKO Abiola and other democratic luminaries.