June 12: NASRE Urges Government Deliver, Security Justice, Prosperity
The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors, (NASRE), has urged the Federal Government to ensure democracy delivers security, justice and prosperity for all Nigerians as the country marks 2026 Democracy Day.
This was disclosed in a strongly worded statement signed by its National President, Comrade Femi Oyewale, made available to newsmen yesterday.
The group emphasized that the democracy day, “honours the sacrifices of the heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle and celebrates the resilience of our democratic journey.”
READ ALSO: Veteran Actor Prof Kola Oyewo Dies At 80
The association acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Democracy Day address and his recognition of June 12 as “a symbol of national unity, electoral justice and the collective aspiration of Nigerians for a democratic society founded on freedom, accountability and equal opportunity.”
Furthermore, the NASRE noted that 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance remain a remarkable achievement in Nigeria’s history, saying that, “The endurance of democratic institutions, peaceful transfers of power and the continuous participation of citizens in the electoral process are worthy of commendation.”
The editors also paid tribute to June 12 heroes including, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori and numerous other patriots whose struggles laid the foundation for the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.
NASRE commended security agencies for their sacrifices in combating insecurity ravaging the country.
“We salute the courage and sacrifices of the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence agencies and other security personnel who continue to risk their lives in defence of the nation,” Oyewale said.
Despite democratic gains, NASRE expressed concern over current economic realities, noting that democracy cannot be measured just by conducting elections.
“While democracy has endured, many Nigerians continue to grapple with severe economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, inflation and declining purchasing power,” the statement noted.
NASRE urged the government to ensure reforms deliver real benefits for citizens by making economic growth inclusive, accelerating job creation, and strengthening social protection to cushion vulnerable Nigerians from the impact of adjustment policies.
Reacting to the security, the association welcomed increased defence investment but stressed that more work is needed, calling for enhanced intelligence and inter-agency partnership to protect the lives of the citizens nationwide.
“The continued incidents of kidnapping, violent crimes, communal conflicts and attacks on communities indicate that much work remains to be done,” it stated.
Ahead of elections in Ekiti and Osun states, NASRE called on INEC, security agencies, political parties and voters to uphold credible polls, while also pleading by advising public office holders to embrace transparency, accountability and local government autonomy.
The association charged Nigerian youths to participate actively in nation-building and urged the media to maintain responsible journalism.
“A vibrant and independent press remains indispensable to the survival of democracy,” Oyewale stated.
The group therefore wished Nigerians a happy Democracy Day and called for renewed commitment to unity and the rule of law.
“Democracy has survived. The task before us now is to make it work better for every Nigerian.”
By ABDULBAQI JIBREEL AJAO
