By Mercy Neme
A former deputy senate president, Ovie Omo-Agege has urged Nigerians to focus on democracy’s benefits rather than merely celebrating June 12.
In a Democracy Day message released through his Media Adviser, Mr Sunny Areh on Thursday in Asaba, Omo-Agege said democratic governance must improve living conditions of citizens.
“The issue isn’t democracy itself; the problem is that we have practiced democracy without delivering the results we desperately need,” he said.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) hopeful for the. 2027 Delta Central Senatorial District, said that June 12 should inspire leaders to serve citizens better.
He said the sacrifices of late Chief M.K.O. Abiola and other democracy activists should translate into meaningful development and accountable governance.
“Abiola didn’t sacrifice his life just so we could have elections every four years.
“He fought for a Nigeria where the vote of a farmer in Udu could genuinely change his life,” he said.
Omo-Agege acknowledged that democracy has expanded freedoms and increased opportunities for political participation across the country.
“A young man in Warri can run for councillor, and a woman in Bayelsa can voice her opinions without fear,” he said.
He lamented widespread hardship, poor infrastructure and insecurity across the country in spite of the gains of democracy.
“We have democracy but where are the benefits? People are struggling with hunger, roads are in disrepair, and insecurity is rampant,” he said.
Reflecting on the June 12 1993 election, Omo-Agege described it as a model of transparency and public trust.
“Everyone witnessed the counting right at the polling unit. That’s why people were willing to stand up for it,” he said.
According to him, democracy should be judged by improvements in citizens’ welfare rather than the mere conduct of elections.
“Is life better for the average Nigerian than it was four years ago?” he asked.
The former deputy senate president commended reforms introduced by INEC, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
“The introduction of BVAS has significantly cut down on ballot box snatching, and voter registration has become much simpler,” he stated.
He urged INEC to strengthen electoral transparency through open vote counting and immediate display of results at polling units.
“Count the votes, announce the results, display Form EC8A and let the media capture it,” he said.
Omo-Agege said the measure would significantly reduce public doubt and strengthen confidence in election outcomes.
He also called for improved training and protection of ad-hoc electoral staff, especially National Youth Service Corps members.
He described NYSC as frontline election workers, pointing out that adequate security would help them perform their duties effectively.
He maintained that trust in elections is built at polling units and not during later stages of collation.
Omo-Agege urged young Nigerians to honour June 12 by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards.
“The PVC is your power. Don’t sell it; use it wisely,” he advised. (NAN)