In commemoration of June 12, now christened Democracy Day, Dr Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, has urged all voters in the state to make the lessons of June 12 count in the forthcoming election in the state.

In a statement on Wednesday by Team Asue Media Organisation (TAMO) in Benin, Ighodalo was quoted saying the greatest honour anyone can do to June 12 is to make sure the lessons of that epoch making event are repeated at every election and thereby entrenched for generations to come.

“It is 31 years ago today that June 12 happened. It has been variously described as a political watershed, the freest and fairest election ever held in Nigeria. On that day, Nigerians from all walks of life shunned ethnic, religious and partisan sentiments or considerations and voted for competence, capacity, vision, compassion and character. The late business mogul, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, aka MKO, was overwhelmingly elected.

“June 12 is now our Democracy Day, an eloquent testimony to its significance in Nigeria’s political history. I, therefore, urge all Edo State citizens to re-enact the lessons of June 12 on September 21.

“We must show the world that we in Edo are particular about visionary leadership, competence, capacity, character and compassionate leadership, which I must say I represent.

“We must also show that we are not driven by the sentiments of ethnicity, filial considerations or partisan differences. September 21 is about our dear Edo State, our future and the future of our children. God bless Edo State and God bless Nigeria,” he concluded.