By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

AKURE — Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has declared that the state is fully prepared for the establishment of State Police, saying the necessary structures are already in place to support the initiative once approved by the Federal Government.

Aiyedatiwa made the declaration on Thursday in Akure during the commemoration of the 33rd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, where former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, and elder statesman, Oba Olu Falae, also called for far-reaching reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and democratic institutions.

Speaking at the event held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, the governor said insecurity remains one of the greatest threats to democratic governance and national development.

“For us in Ondo State, we’ve been ready a long time. Even during the time of my late predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the structure that had been built, which I’ve also further strengthened. We have the structure, we have the people and all that is left for the approval of needed weapons and equipment,” Aiyedatiwa said.

He added: “We need to further fortify them with more sophisticated equipment that will make them more effective and functional in the discharge of their duty.”

The governor described June 12 as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic history and a symbol of the people’s commitment to democracy, accountability and the rule of law.

According to him, the annulled 1993 presidential election remains a reference point for electoral credibility and national unity, stressing that democracy must continually be strengthened through effective institutions and citizen participation.

Aiyedatiwa said his administration had intensified efforts to improve security in the state through the strengthening of the Amotekun Corps, including the recruitment of 500 additional personnel, enrolment of operatives in the Contributory Pension Scheme and the introduction of medical allowances.

He expressed sympathy with victims of recent attacks and kidnappings across the country and urged Nigerians to approach the 2027 general elections peacefully, insisting that every eligible voter must be allowed to vote without intimidation.

Delivering the anniversary lecture, Senator Oshiomhole described June 12 as a symbol of courage, sacrifice and democratic conviction, anchored on the legacy of the late Chief MKO Abiola.

He said Abiola’s refusal to surrender his mandate despite pressure from the military made him a global symbol of democratic resistance.

“In celebrating Abiola, we are celebrating courage, consistency, doggedness, commitment to nation and fearlessness. He stood firm for democracy and he stood firm for Nigeria,” Oshiomhole said.

The former labour leader noted that the 1993 election demonstrated uncommon national unity as Nigerians voted across ethnic and religious divides.

He, however, expressed concern over the growing influence of religion in politics, saying it had increasingly distorted political understanding in the country.

Oshiomhole also defended ongoing scrutiny of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) by the National Assembly, describing it as part of the legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibility.

He further backed President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and exchange rate unification, arguing that the subsidy regime had become a source of corruption and economic distortions.

The senator also faulted the removal of History from the school curriculum, stressing that young Nigerians must understand the nation’s past to appreciate its democratic journey.

In his remarks, Oba Olu Falae recounted the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during the June 12 struggle, describing the annulment of the election as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history.

He said the decision to annul the election triggered widespread resistance and led to the formation of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which sustained pressure on the military until democracy was restored.

Falae warned against any return to military rule, noting that many activists suffered detention, exile and other hardships in the struggle to restore democratic governance.

“The sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle must never be forgotten, and military rule must never return to Nigeria,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Segun Omojuwa, described June 12 as a symbol of hope, unity and the collective will of Nigerians.

He urged Nigerians to remain committed to protecting democratic values in the face of insecurity, institutional distrust and growing civic apathy.

The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour leaders and heads of security agencies.