Nigeria Will Rise Again – Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has come out to urge Nigerians to be united to make our country better.

He recently revealed this in his remarks at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta at a ceremony to mark the 2021 June 12 Democracy Day.

According to him, the citizens should join hands together and build bridges of national unity and oneness of the country, rather than demolish fences.

He added that the people should keep thinking Nigerian and not sectarian, and by so doing, the nation will rise again.

His words, “The best way to immortalize and celebrate MKO Abiola and June 12, particularly, at this time of our national life, is to build bridges and demolish fences.”

“We should think Nigerian and not sectarian. We should not limit that mandate and success to 1993. We must ensure that the hope is kept alive. We cannot afford to bring down our country or show despair in our future. Truly, Nigeria shall rise again.”

“We are only consoled by the re-introduction of democracy in 1999 and the fact the nation has enjoyed the longest and uninterrupted democratic experience since then. However, we must also acknowledge that, like every human endeavour and system, our democracy is not perfect. Our democracy is still a work in progress.”

“In truth, the essence of democracy is good governance. In truth, the people have a right to the agitation for a better life. In truth, also, we can achieve more together rather than the clamour for division of the country and separation of the constituent parts.”

“MKO Abiola and his mandate should serve as a reminder to all of us that we are stronger together as a nation. He broke all barriers such as religion and ethnicity that are being used in Nigeria today to divide us. He won across the length and breadth of this country, even at the backyard of his main opponents. It was a phenomenon that should remind us that we are greater than our challenges.”

“Unless and until we embrace the essence of the MKO persona, internalize belief in self, faith in a united country and other initiatives that help to engender a sense of shared heritage amongst Nigerian people, we will continue to be a country in search of nationhood.”

“Let us push all the negative and divisive forces and policies on the back-foot and embrace the symbolism of June 12. Let us join hands to make Nigeria work for all Nigerians. This will end all quest for self-determination and other sectarian agitations and calm frayed nerves. June 12 represents what will strengthen the country’s unity, indivisibility and oneness.”

“We must not forget that, as individuals, we can also change the course of history, like MKO did, even at this point in time. We must all note that each and every one of us, our actions and inactions, will either propel the country forward or fuel the already tensed situation. Our country should rise and fulfill its full potentials in the comity of nations.”

“Ogun State will never be a home for criminals, whether big or small. We will smoke them out, arrest them and hand them over to the swift hand of justice. In addition, any property found to be serving as hide out to criminals will not only be taking over by government but such facilities will also be demolished. Whoever is found to harbor any criminal will be arrested and handed over for prosecution.”