Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has asserted that despite Nigeria’s transition to civilian rule in 1999, the nation has yet to achieve genuine democracy. Speaking during a Channels Television special event commemorating June 12, titled ‘Nigeria’s Democratic Journey: An Inter-Generational Conversation On Building A Better Nation’, Fayemi emphasized that while Nigerians regained the right to vote, the journey to full democracy is far from over.
“We must not conflate elections with democracy. What we got in 1999 was the restoration of the right to elect our leaders; what we are still striving for is real democracy, in my opinion,” Fayemi explained. He further noted, “We have civilian rule, and we are proudly on this journey. We now have a semi-democracy, but we do not yet have full democracy. The efforts of the previous president and now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be built upon by all of us.”
Fayemi also reflected on his experiences as a pro-democracy activist, particularly his involvement with Radio Kudirat during the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha. He recounted the risks he and his colleagues faced in operating the clandestine radio station, which was instrumental in mobilizing support for democracy.
“It’s not that we were fearless or recklessly brave; we simply didn’t fully grasp the magnitude of the threat we faced, beyond our desire to do the right thing. I personally carried Radio Kudirat transmitters on an Air France flight headed for Cotonou, Benin Republic, detouring to Lagos amidst the crisis. I could have been apprehended and become one of the many who disappeared,” he recalled.
Fayemi highlighted that during the Oputa Panel Commission, some individuals tasked with eliminating pro-democracy leaders revealed their stories, underscoring the real dangers activists faced. “We should not downplay what happened. I do not want to suggest we were invincible. Some of us are simply lucky to be alive. Those who lost their lives were not foolish; they were driven by conviction,” he said.
He commended President Tinubu for recognizing democracy activists with national awards but urged that more contributors, including Radio Kudirat operators, deserve recognition for their sacrifices.
