Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared that the state is fully prepared to establish state police, saying the necessary structures and personnel are already in place to support the initiative.
Aiyedatiwa made the declaration on Friday during the 33rd anniversary lecture marking the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure.
The governor’s position was echoed by former Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and elder statesman, Olu Falae, who both called for far-reaching reforms of Nigeria’s security architecture as part of efforts to strengthen democracy and national stability.
The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, security agencies, civil society groups, government officials and youths who gathered to reflect on Nigeria’s democratic journey and contemporary national challenges.
Speaking on the significance of June 12, Aiyedatiwa described it as a landmark in Nigeria’s democratic history and a symbol of electoral credibility, accountability and the supremacy of the people’s mandate.
He noted that democracy requires strong institutions, adherence to the rule of law and active citizen participation to thrive.
The governor warned that growing insecurity remains a major threat to democratic governance, stressing that fear and instability weaken public confidence in government and discourage civic engagement.
“Democracy cannot flourish where citizens live in fear. Security is the foundation upon which development and democratic governance thrive,” he said.
Aiyedatiwa commended the security initiatives of President Bola Tinubu and said Ondo State would continue to support federal efforts through local security interventions.
He highlighted steps taken by his administration to strengthen the state-owned Amotekun Corps, including improved welfare packages, medical allowances, enrolment in the Contributory Pension Scheme and the recruitment of 500 additional operatives.
Expressing sympathy for victims of recent kidnappings and attacks across the country, the governor called for collective action to address the nation’s security challenges.
On the proposed state police system, Aiyedatiwa maintained that Ondo State has long been prepared for its implementation.
“For us in Ondo State, we have been ready for a long time. The structure established during the administration of my predecessor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, has been strengthened.
“We have the personnel and the framework in place. What remains is approval for the necessary weapons and equipment to make the outfit more effective,” he said.
Delivering the anniversary lecture, Oshiomhole described June 12 as a defining moment that reflected courage, sacrifice and commitment to democratic ideals.
He praised the late MKO Abiola for refusing to abandon the mandate Nigerians freely gave him despite pressure from military authorities.
“In celebrating Abiola, we are celebrating courage, consistency, commitment to nationhood, and fearlessness. He stood firm for democracy and he stood firm for Nigeria,” Oshiomhole said.
The former labour leader recalled his role in the pro-democracy struggle and commended Falae for his contributions during engagements between labour unions and the military government.
According to him, the June 12 election remains a remarkable example of national unity, with Nigerians voting beyond ethnic and religious divides.
He, however, expressed concern over the growing influence of religious considerations in politics.
“Talking about June 12 is to remind ourselves that we once had leaders who commanded respect across the North, South, East, and West. Religion has become an issue in a way that distorts political understanding,” he said.
Oshiomhole also defended the ongoing scrutiny of the audited accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited by the National Assembly, arguing that legislative oversight is essential for accountability and should not be viewed as antagonism toward government.
He further backed the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange-rate unification, describing the former subsidy regime as a major source of corruption and economic distortions.
The senator also advocated the return of History as a compulsory subject in schools, saying younger generations must understand the country’s past to shape a better future.
Earlier, Falae described June 12 as a turning point in Nigeria’s political evolution and recalled the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists after the annulment of the election won by Abiola.
He said the development led to widespread resistance and the formation of the National Democratic Coalition, which spearheaded sustained opposition to military rule.
According to Falae, many activists suffered detention, persecution and exile during the struggle.
“We paid a huge price for democracy. Many were imprisoned, some went into exile, and others lost their lives. Those sacrifices must never be forgotten,” he said.
The elder statesman cautioned against any return to military rule, insisting that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the best system for promoting development and citizen participation.
In his welcome address, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Chief of Staff to the Ondo State Governor, described June 12 as a symbol of hope, unity and the triumph of the people’s will, urging Nigerians to remain committed to democratic values while confronting insecurity, voter apathy and declining trust in public institutions.
