Lagos State Assembly celebrates June 12 by honouring democracy icons including President Tinubu, calling for sustained democratic values and institutional reform
The Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday formally resolved to honour Nigeria’s democracy heroes, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, with an official letter of appreciation to mark June 12 Democracy Day.
The lawmakers praised the sacrifices made by pro-democracy advocates while calling for a stronger commitment to practising democratic ideals.
During the plenary, members of the House took turns to reflect on the historical significance of June 12 and the role it continues to play in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape.
Hon. Aro Moshood described the date as one “crafted in our memory,” while Hon. Ajayi Oladele urged Nigerians to give gratitude for the freedom they currently enjoy.
Hon. Stephen Ogundipe noted the loss of lives in the fight against military dictatorship, saying, “There is dignity in standing for what is right.” He was echoed by Hon. Shabi Adebola, who declared June 12 “a day of sacrifice” that must never be forgotten.
Several lawmakers, including Hon. Solomon Bonu and Hon. Lukman Olumoh, hailed President Tinubu as “the last man standing” of that era, noting his pivotal role in NADECO’s resistance and Nigeria’s eventual return to civilian rule.
Hon. Kehinde Joseph advocated for a statutory annual forum every June 12 to review governance and address state matters, emphasising the value of democratic engagement in holding leaders accountable.
Hon. Tobun Abiodun reminded the House of the sacrifices of Kudirat Abiola and Pa Alfred Rewane, while also applauding Tinubu’s current efforts in infrastructure and economic reform.
In a sharp reflection, Hon. Gbolahan Ogunleye stressed that June 12 represents a people’s mandate that was denied by a military regime, stating, “We must never return to military rule.”
Speaker Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa concluded the session by lauding President Tinubu for his unshaken stance in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
He called for the strengthening of democratic institutions, particularly legislative independence from executive control, asserting that democracy can only thrive where there is true separation of powers.
Following unanimous agreement, the House directed its Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, to send letters of appreciation to all key figures who contributed to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
Fresh concerns have emerged over compliance with a court order issued by the High Court of Kano State on April 8, 2026, restraining key parties—including the Honourable Minister of Education, the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, the Kano State Urban Development Authority, and Pluck Global Company Limited—from further actions pending the determination of the matter before the court.
Findings indicate that while all parties—except the concessionaire, Pluck Global Company Limited—were duly served within two days of the order, significant challenges were encountered in effecting service on the company, raising troubling questions about its corporate traceability and regulatory vetting.
A review of the company’s records filed with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed addresses that could not be verified as functional business locations. Notably, documentation submitted to Federal Government College (FGC), Kano, dated June 20, 2024, listed two addresses: 8B, Lalupon Street, off Keffi Street, off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, as its head office, and 3 Bargery Road, Bompai, Kano, as its branch office.
However, a physical visit to the Ikoyi address revealed that the entire property is occupied by a company identified as Golden Alchemy, whose staff категорically denied any knowledge of, or shared occupancy with, Pluck Global Company Limited.
Efforts to trace the Kano address yielded even more unsettling findings. The location—a locked duplex—showed no visible signs of commercial activity. Neighbours, while reluctant to speak on record, alluded to irregular movements at odd hours, casting further doubt on the legitimacy of the premises as a corporate office.
In a twist, after multiple attempts to establish contact, an individual purportedly representing the company surfaced in Kano and agreed to receive and acknowledge the court order on April 11, 2026, at approximately 6:00 pm. Curiously, the Ikoyi address—already discredited—was again listed as the company’s official address in the acknowledgment.
These developments raise critical questions regarding due diligence and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols on the part of the Federal Ministry of Education. They also cast a spotlight on the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), should a concession agreement indeed have been executed with the company. Stakeholders say it would be instructive to review the addresses contained in all official correspondences and contractual documents linked to the transaction.
Meanwhile, a visit to the premises of Federal Government College, Kano, revealed ongoing construction activity, with workers observed excavating foundations. When approached, the workers declined to disclose the authority under which they were operating—despite the subsistence of a court order restraining further action.
Notably, a previously installed project billboard bearing the insignia of the school authorities and the Federal Ministry of Education had been removed. Sources within the institution suggest that the directive for its removal may have emanated from the Ministry following receipt of the court order.
The unfolding situation presents a complex mix of legal, regulatory, and accountability issues—raising the spectre of possible non-compliance with judicial directives, as well as deeper concerns about transparency in public-private concession arrangements.
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