•••Akure North Chairman urges electoral reforms, state police, and renewed civic education to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy
The Chairman of Akure North Local Government, Hon. Ogunbolude Johnson, has called for the reintroduction of History as a compulsory subject in Nigeria’s school curriculum, describing it as essential to building informed and responsible citizens.
In a Democracy Day message released on Friday, Johnson reflected on the significance of June 12, 1993, widely regarded as Nigeria’s most credible election, which was annulled by the then military government despite the apparent victory of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
He noted that the annulment triggered widespread national protests and political agitation that eventually culminated in Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
According to him, many young Nigerians lack adequate knowledge of these historical events due to the removal or neglect of History in the education system, a development he described as dangerous to national consciousness.
“History is sacrosanct and should not be trivialised. It equips the younger generation to understand the past, make sense of the present, and make informed predictions about the future,” he said.
The council chairman also commended Nigeria’s sustained democratic governance since 1999, noting that despite its imperfections, electoral processes have improved under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He, however, called for further reforms to strengthen the electoral system and enhance credibility in governance.
On national security, Johnson urged greater patriotism and vigilance among citizens and security agencies in addressing rising insecurity, particularly banditry, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
He further appealed to the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the State Police Bill, arguing that decentralised policing would improve Nigeria’s security architecture.
Hon. Johnson also paid tribute to democracy activists, both living and deceased, who contributed to the struggle for democratic governance in Nigeria, praying that their sacrifices would not be in vain.
He concluded by congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of Democracy Day and called for continued reflection on strengthening democratic institutions, particularly the electoral system.
“Happy Democracy Day. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria, God bless Ondo State, and God bless Akure North Local Government,” he added.
