He also emphasized the role of democracy in development and ensuring that the voices of the people are heard.

Speaking through his Deputy, Peter Odey, at an event marking the upcoming 25th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections—won by the late Chief MKO Abiola but annulled by then-military president Gen. Ibrahim Babangida—Otu highlighted the significance of the election in fueling Nigeria’s democratic struggle.

The governor paid tribute to democratic heroes like Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola for their contributions.

He celebrated 25 years of continuous democracy, noting the valuable lessons and blessings it has brought to Cross River State.

Otu expressed gratitude for the patriotic leaders who have guided both the state and the nation and reassured the people that his administration prioritizes their welfare.

Obasanjo criticized the Western style of democracy for its failure to consider the majority’s views, describing it as a “government of a few people over all the people or population.”

He proposed the adoption of ‘Afro Democracy,’ emphasizing that African countries should define and design their governance systems.

Obasanjo highlighted the weaknesses and failures of liberal democracy, emphasizing the need to move beyond the current system that neglects the majority.

He questioned the relevance of a system brought by colonial powers and urged a shift in mindset to develop a government that better serves the welfare and well-being of the people.

Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi, echoed concerns about the challenges facing liberal democracy in Africa, emphasizing the importance of addressing the non-delivery of development outcomes to improve the welfare of the people.

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this appeal during a meeting with a delegation from the European Union Election Observation Mission, led by Chief Observer Barry Andrews.

According to a statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Akume expressed gratitude to the EU Observation Mission for its participation in the 2023 General Election throughout the country.

He highlighted the significance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, which played a transformative role during the election.

Akume acknowledged the progress made in the recent general elections and urged the EU to continue supporting these advancements in order to promote democratic principles in Nigeria.

Barry Andrews, the Chief Observer of the European Union Election Observation Mission, explained that their visit aimed to present the final report on the 2023 General Election, which they monitored since their deployment to Nigeria.

The report includes six priority recommendations relating to constitutional, legislative, and administrative matters. Additionally, Andrews mentioned that the EU EOM plans to conduct a follow-up mission in two years to engage with Nigerian authorities regarding the implementation of their recommendations.

Samuela Isopi, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, also expressed the EU’s support for Nigeria’s return to democracy.

Isopi highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the EU, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other key stakeholders to strengthen democracy.

Furthermore, he affirmed the EU’s commitment to sustaining its support for Nigeria’s electoral processes and investing in other vital sectors of the nation’s economy.

He made this statement on the occasion of the 2023 Democracy Day, which took place on Monday, June 12.

Every year on June 12, Democracy Day is celebrated to honor Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the victor of the presidential election held on June 12, 1993, as well as other democracy advocates.

Tinubu emphasizes that the essence of democracy lies in its ability to enable today’s winners to become tomorrow’s losers, and vice versa.

Instances have arisen where politicians have obtained court orders to overturn the electoral victories of their opponents and seize positions of power. This has sometimes resulted in conflicting court orders, leaving the public perplexed. However, the President said “illegal orders” won’t be condoned.

“For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal,” Tinubu said.

“It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders issued to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.”

Delivering his inaugural address on the occasion of Democracy Day on June 12, Tinubu emphasized the significance of the democratic process and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by heroes of democracy.

The newly inaugurated President acknowledged that the 2023 elections demonstrated the continued existence of a thriving democracy in Nigeria.

He highlighted one of democracy’s core virtues, which allows for the possibility of winners today becoming losers tomorrow, and vice versa.

“This year marked the seventh cycle of elections, which have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice since 1999. The intensity of these polls serves as positive evidence that democracy is indeed alive and well in our nation. While those who emerged victorious celebrate their triumph, it is natural for the disappointed and disenchanted losers to feel a sense of frustration. Nonetheless, democracy offers the chance for today’s winners to taste defeat in the future and for today’s losers to compete and succeed in the forthcoming elections.”

Tinubu further stressed that those unwilling to accept defeat in elections should not expect to relish the joy of victory when their turn comes.

Additionally, he underscored the significance of utilizing constitutional avenues, such as seeking redress in court, for those who disagree with election outcomes.

This, he argued, is a key reason why democracy remains the most exceptional form of governance devised by mankind.

In a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the IGP stated that the date for the swearing-in ceremony, along with other inauguration ceremonies at both national and state levels, is of utmost importance and must be respected.

The IGP pledged to take all necessary measures, in collaboration with other security operatives, to protect democracy.

He issued a stern warning to political figures who are attempting to cause trouble or obstruct the inauguration of newly elected leaders, urging them to abandon such plans.

The IGP emphasized that true democrats should prioritize national security and democratic interests over personal political ambitions.

He criticized certain political actors for making public statements and inciting protests that aim to create tension ahead of the Presidential Swearing-in ceremony.

Such actions, according to the IGP, not only contradict democratic values but are also subversive, undemocratic, and unconstitutional.

The Nigeria Police issued three key messages in response to these developments. Firstly, all political actors with subversive intentions, as well as their collaborators and followers who may be susceptible to radicalization, were warned to immediately cease their deliberate attempts to disrupt the 29th May 2023 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

Secondly, regardless of their political affiliations, individuals engaging in activities that undermine the nation’s democratic and security interests should be fully aware that the Nigeria Police, working closely with other law enforcement agencies and the intelligence community, is determined to protect democracy, maintain internal security, and ensure a successful inauguration ceremony.

Thirdly, the IGP stressed that the Inauguration Ceremonies, both at the national and state levels, are crucial constitutional requirements for the preservation of the country’s political order, and it is the duty and legal obligation of the Nigeria Police to defend these democratic values and closely monitor the constitutional processes.

Consequently, the IGP assured citizens that the Nigeria Police’s loyalty to democracy and the political order remains unwavering, and they are committed to defending democracy at any cost.

Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, made the announcement in a statement on the US government’s website.

While emphasizing the US’s commitment to supporting democracy in Nigeria and around the world, Blinken clarified that the visa restrictions are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people or government as a whole.

The restrictions will be implemented under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which covers individuals believed to be responsible for undermining democracy.

These individuals are alleged to have intimidated voters, manipulated vote results, and engaged in other activities that undermine the democratic process in Nigeria.

The US government’s decision to impose visa restrictions reflects its continued commitment to support Nigerian efforts to strengthen democracy and the rule of law. As of now, no names have been made public.

Gbajabiamila said this on Monday, during the opening ceremony of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative, a training Programme for young Nigerians.

He stated that Nigerians need to vote for a leader that can manage changes, adding that it will be unrealistic to expect youths to remain faithful to democracy.

“It is unrealistic to expect our nation’s youth to commit to sustaining a democracy that hasn’t lived up to their expectations,” he said.

Speaker Gbajabiamila stressed that many young people in the country, have not witnessed military government, hence, cannot be expected to be committed to democracy without benefiting from it.

He said, “Nigeria desperately needs leaders with the capacity and character to manage change. The consequences of the changes happening in our world today will depend on how we respond, the decisions we make, and the ideas we choose to invest in.”

To address the problem, Gbajabiamila said “we must act quickly and consistently to include young people in the political and governing process. We do this by creating avenues for leadership development.”

Beijing took its first step to make good on its promise to employ “countermeasures” against the U.S. in light of the bills that it blasted as “hegemonic” in nature and ignorant of the facts on the ground.

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which was sponsored by Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., requires that the U.S. conducts yearly reviews into Hong Kong’s autonomy from Beijing. If ever found unsatisfactory, the city’s special status for U.S. trading could be tossed.

“I signed these bills out of respect for President Xi, China, and the people of Hong Kong,” Trump said in a statement. “They are being enacted in the hope that Leaders and Representatives of China and Hong Kong will be able to amicably settle their differences leading to long term peace and prosperity for all.”

China also announced on Monday that it sanctioned Human Rights Watch for its support of the violence in the city, Hua Chunying, a ministry spokesman, told Reuters.