By joshua PRESS RELEASE
June 12, 2026 – Nigeria’s Democracy Day Celebration
Amb. Dr. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa Dangana Advocates Spirit of Peace, Tolerance, Understanding and Unity to Overcome Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Lokoja, Kogi State – As Nigeria marks June 12 Democracy Day, Amb. Dr. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa Dangana, Technical Adviser to the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Kogi State Command, has called on all Nigerians to embrace the core democratic values of “peace, tolerance, understanding, and unity” as the surest path to overcoming the security challenges bedeviling the nation.
In his Democracy Day message, Amb. Bawa Dangana stated:
> _“June 12 reminds us that democracy is not just about elections. It is about justice, inclusion, and the responsibility of every citizen to protect the peace we enjoy. Our current security challenges — banditry, communal clashes, and violent extremism — thrive where division, hate, and mistrust exist. If we must defeat them, we must first defeat division within ourselves.”_
He emphasized four practical pillars for national stability:
1. Peace: Peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice and respect for human life. Communities must reject violence as a means of settling disputes.
2. Tolerance: Nigeria’s diversity is our strength, not weakness. Tolerance of different faiths, ethnicities, and political views builds the trust needed for security agencies and citizens to work together.
3. Understanding: We must listen to each other’s fears and grievances through dialogue at Ward, LGA, and State levels before they escalate into conflict. Early warning starts with early listening.
4. Unity: A divided nation cannot be secured. From CJTF volunteers on the ground to policymakers in Abuja, our unity of purpose is our greatest weapon against those who seek to destabilize Nigeria.
Amb. Bawa Dangana commended the sacrifices of security agencies and community-based groups like Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who work daily to protect lives and property. He urged government, traditional and religious leaders, youth, and women to use Democracy Day as a moment to renew commitment to responsible leadership and civic duty.
> _“When citizens trust their government, and government trusts its citizens, intelligence flows, development returns, and insecurity retreats. That is the democracy June 12 represents.”_
He concluded by congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, FCA of Kogi State, and all Nigerians on this year’s celebration, praying for a safer, more united, and prosperous nation.
Signed:
Amb. Dr. Hon. Abdulsalam Bawa DANGANA,
Technical Adviser, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF),
Kogi State Command,
Kogi State.
Tel: 08035044020
Email: abwaconsults@gmail.com