As Nigeria marks Democracy Day, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, National Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, has renewed the call for a return to the 1963 Republican Constitution, advocating for true federalism as a means to foster unity, national progress, and effective governance.
In a Democracy Day statement released on Wednesday, Fasoranti stressed that the 1963 Constitution offers a practical blueprint for regional autonomy and balanced development, enabling each part of the country to function with a degree of self-determination, as seen in Nigeria’s First Republic.
“To ensure an enduring framework for unity and progress in the country, federalism enables the constituent parts of the country to exercise some level of autonomy or self-determination as obtained in the First Republic,” he said.
Democracy’s Journey and the Need for Structural Reform
Fasoranti hailed the milestone of uninterrupted democratic governance since 1999, but underlined the urgent need for structural reforms to deepen democratic values and accountability.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by pro-democracy groups and civil society leaders, recalling the pivotal role played by Afenifere in forming the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO)—a coalition that spearheaded the struggle for the restoration of civilian governance.
“Without doubt, the sustained and uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999 is a product of the sacrifices and commitment of our heroes and heroines in the civil society groups, and other well-meaning compatriots, who, along with Afenifere, coalesced into the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, to constitute the vanguard of progressive forces that ensured the restoration of democracy and the birth of the Fourth Republic,” Fasoranti said.
He expressed hope in the enduring strength of Nigeria’s progressive movements and reaffirmed his confidence in their continued role in nurturing democratic ideals across the nation.
Insecurity and the Call for State Police
On the state of security in the country, Fasoranti did not mince words, warning that Nigeria remains under siege from violent non-state actors, despite numerous government efforts.
He proposed the creation of State Police and Community Policing systems as viable and urgently needed solutions.
“We, in Afenifere, share the view of many other patriotic Nigerians that establishing State Police and checking internal collaborators appears to be the panacea for this scourge that tends to make living or travelling in certain parts of the country a nightmare,” he noted.
“I am therefore seizing this opportunity to call on the federal and state governments to establish the State Police and the Community Policing system,” Fasoranti added.
A Call for Unity and Purpose
Fasoranti concluded by urging Nigerians to reflect on the deeper meaning of June 12, a date that symbolizes the struggle for freedom, justice, and national cohesion. He encouraged all citizens to rise above ethnic, religious, and political divisions in the pursuit of a greater national purpose.
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