JUNE 12, 2026 — To mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the Supreme Knight of The Order of The Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria (KSM), Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, CKSM, KCSS, has issued a national address congratulating the government and citizens on achieving 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
While hailing the milestone as a “serious civic achievement” for a nation as large and plural as Nigeria, Sir Adehi emphasised that the true measure of a democracy lies in its faithful repair, active citizen participation, and the moral integrity of its political class.
In the official address, the Supreme Knight outlined critical pillars for national consolidation: The Ordinary Instrument of the Citizen: KSM has directed all members, through its Sub-Council Grand Knights, to ensure they hold valid Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) and maintain current registration.
The Order urged all adult Nigerians to reject electoral inducements and actively participate in voter education and peaceful polling. A Call to Honourable Public Service: Reaffirming its strictly non-partisan stance, KSM encouraged members called to public office to view leadership as a Christian vocation.
Sir Adehi noted that public service must be approached with a “formed conscience” and a clear understanding that office is held in trust for the people. Independent and Competent Elections: The Order called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to discharge its constitutional mandate with transparency, technical competence, and strict impartiality, noting that credible elections are the fundamental bedrock of the Republic.
Ending the “Language of Warfare” in Politics: Expressing deep concern over the rising bitterness in the political landscape, the Supreme Knight urged politicians nationwide to abandon the toxic rhetoric that treats political opponents as enemies. He called for a return to a “worthier tradition of politics without bitterness,” where rivalry does not degrade into enmity.
”Democracy is an imperfect instrument,” Sir Adehi stated. “Yet among the forms of representative government known to political experience, none has been shown to better protect the dignity of the human person, the freedom of conscience, and the accountability of those who govern.
The proper response to a democracy that disappoints is not its abandonment but its faithful repair.” The Knights of Saint Mulumba Nigeria, alongside the Ladies of the Order, reaffirmed their unwavering readiness to partner with federal institutions, faith communities, and all well-meaning Nigerians to sustain the common good, justice, and lasting peace across the nation.
