…Charges Politicians to Earn People’s Trust
…Highlights Ekiti Assembly’s Move to Bond Citizens with Parliament
The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has described the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola as a true national hero who believed in the sanctity of the people’s mandate and paid the ultimate price for democracy.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Babajide Agbeyo to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, Aribasoye said genuine political leadership requires commitment to the trust given by the people, even in the face of challenges.
“A true politician must be able to attach value to the mandate given to him by the electorate and be willing to stand firm in times of adversity,” the Speaker stated.
Reflecting on the legacy of the winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Aribasoye said Abiola’s courage and sacrifice remain a wake-up call to contemporary politicians to show leadership, take responsibility, and earn the trust of the people.
“June 12 will always be remembered as a day in which one man proved his general acceptability across religious and ethnic divides, as reflected by the poll. It also reminds us that Nigerians can vote without religious and ethnic sentiments. This should spur us into drawing relevant analogies with a view to adopting a better approach to politics and governance,” he added.
The lawmaker commended all those who fought for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate and Nigeria’s democratic journey, noting that democracy, despite its imperfections, remains the best option for safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people.
“We all have a duty to protect this democracy. Even as we must acknowledge the challenges that come with it, they are not insurmountable if we embrace a change of orientation and mindset,” he said.
Aribasoye emphasised the strategic role of lawmakers in democracy, describing them as the voice of their constituencies. He noted that several infrastructure projects were delivered through persistent advocacy and lobbying by representatives.
He stressed that the strength of any democracy is not just in credible elections, but also in the transparency, accountability, and responsiveness of its leaders.
Citing the recent city centre plenary held at Fajuyi Pavilion in Ado Ekiti, Aribasoye said the initiative was aimed at strengthening democratic engagement and bringing governance closer to the people.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, saying the governor had met public expectations and would likely earn a second term in next year’s governorship election.
The Speaker urged Ekiti residents to continue to pray for sustained peace and for the success of all arms of government, adding that good governance can only thrive when peace and stability are maintained.