The House of Representatives has approved that June 12 be marked as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
The approval followed the adoption of a report on a bill seeking to amend the Public Holidays Act 2004.
Considering the report at the plenary on Thursday, the lawmakers approved the amendments to three clauses in the Act, as recommended in the report.
One of the clauses deleted May 29 as Democracy Day and replaced the date with June 12.
Details later…
The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to immortalise the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
The House also resolved that late Abiola be conferred with posthumous Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), in recognition of his sacrifice and contributions to the unity and development of Nigeria and Africa.
This emanated from the adoption of a motion under matters of urgent public importance, sponsored by Rep. Sanni Zoro (Jigawa-APC).
Moving the motion, Zoro said that a vacuum was created following the death of Abiola.
“It is worthy to remember him always as a Nigerian who touched lives more than any other person in his life time.
“Abiola also contributed in ensuring religious harmony by building bridges between faith organisations in the country,’’ he added.
Zorro argued that apart from being acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election by polling eight million out of the 14 million votes cast.
Abiola contributed immensely to the political development of the country.
“It will not be a novelty to bestow the GCFR on someone who is not a president of the country.
“Former President Shehu Shagari bestowed the same honour on late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1983.
“I believe that we should immortalise MKO Abiola by conferring on him this highest honor in the country,’’ he said.
Contributing, Rep. Anayo Nnebe (Anambra-PDP) urged the Federal Government to declare June 12 of every year as Democracy Day in the country.
According to him, it was a day that Nigeria witnessed the most credible election.
“June 12, 1993 election had more significance for the country’s democracy compared to May 29, which is currently being celebrated as Democracy Day.
“The annulment of June 12 is an act of irresponsibility and recklessness by the then military regime.
“I want to add that June 12, should be declared a national holiday to reflect issues that transpired; It should be seen as a national issue and not regional one,’’ Nnebe stated.
Similarly, a member representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos, Rep. Wale Raji, urged the Federal Government to declare the result of the annulled election by announcing late Abiola the posthumous President-elect.
Ruling on the motion, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara referred the matter to the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure enforcement of the resolution.
NAN
In commemoration of the 24th anniversary of the June 12 1993 elections popularly believed to be won by the candidate of the then Social Democratic Party, SDP, Chief MKO Abiola, prominent Nigerians and activists have called on the Federal Government to name June 12 as the authentic Democracy Day (currently celebrated on May 29) in Nigeria.
Former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Chief Gani Adams and human rights activist, Dr. Dr. Joe Odumakin were among those that agitated for the recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria.
They spoke during an event to mark the 1993 election organised by the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, former governor of Abia State, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu said: “The Democracy Day celebration should not be on May 29 but, on June 12. That date should be the symbol of fairness, equity and obedience to the rule of law because unfortunately, most of our security agencies have taken the law into their hands instead of allowing the law to take its course”, Kalu said.
“No matter what you say about our Judiciary, I have been to many countries in Africa and I can confidently say ours is the best. We should not because of a few bad people say that the entire judiciary is bad.
“As a state governor, we went to court 15 times against the federal government and we won 13 times. Is it not the same judiciary that ruled in our favour? I call on the federal government to learn to obey the laws of the court, no matter how frivolous they are.
“These are the ideals Abiola died for. We have to protect our institutions; Nigeria is our country and we cannot run away from it. The country is in need of assimilation, healing and the right democratic ethos.
“People have a right to do anything that they want, but do not have the right to carry arms. In countries like The Gambia, you would not know the difference between a Muslim and a Christian, but, Nigeria is drifting because of quarrel and strife. I am a Catholic, but, I have always taken part in Ramadan.
“The governors have their club, so does the political elite and they are usually united in pushing forward their agenda, but, in the end, if the masses do not stick together by pushing their own agenda through the ballot box, they are the ones who will suffer.”
In his speech, OPC National Coordinator, Gani Adams, who stated that June 12 will always be Democracy Day, lamented that those who benefitted from the struggle have forgotten Abiola and his mandate.
His words: “June 12 and will remembered by those who have defied the culture of silence and conspiracy against a significant moment in Nigeria’s history, to remind us of how today, 24 years ago, the battle against the exit of the military from power was fought at the ballot by a determined Nigerian people.
“It is sad that, apart from the South West states, there has been indifference to the June 12 phenomenon by the federal government and the rest of Nigeria. That election was adjudged to be free, fair and peaceful, but the military government led by Ibrahim Babangida, played games with the transition to civilian rule.
“It chose not to announce the final results of the election. That singular act was seen by many as a coup against the Nigerian people and an act of brazen injustice.
“It is sad today that those who benefitted most from Abiola’s martyrdom do not want to be reminded of him. Those who used to talk about injustice have since, given opportunity, inflicted their own injustice on the people.
“Those who used to swear by Abiola’s name have since found new political patrons. Those who proclaimed Abiola as the symbol of democracy and the rallying point for the people’s hopes have since been dancing on his grave.
“It is unfortunate that Nigeria forgets too soon, for when the Jonathan administration tried to address this injustice by naming a significant national institution after Abiola, the attempt resulted in controversy and a storm.
“Jonathan had renamed the University of Lagos after Abiola, but, the students and staff trooped to the streets, in protest. Politics and opportunism was read into the gesture and government had to eat the humble pie.”
Human rights activist, Dr. Joe Odumakin, added her voice to calls for the date to be officially recognized by the federal government.
“It is very delightful to know that the spirit of June 12 is still alive. When Kalu was the governor of Abia state, he was the first person to declare a public holiday to commemorate June 12 and we commended him for that.
“I join by voice to other patriotic Nigerians who demand that June 12 be declared the Democracy Day for Nigeria because it symbolises the promotion of positive ideals and national integrity,” she said.
Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Monday urged Nigerians to keep the spirit of June 12 alive and strong by remaining united and hopeful of a more prosperous future for the country.
Ambode, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, made the call at an event organised to mark the 24th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 annulled presidential election.
It was organised by the State’s Office of Civic Engagement in collaboration with June 12 Coalition for Democratic Formations in Lagos.
The 1993 presidential election, adjudged free and fair, but annulled by the then military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, was believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Abiola.
Abiola insisted on his mandate and declared himself president, which led to his arrest and subsequent death on the verge of his release on July 7, 1998.
Ambode believes the seed for the fourth republic and democracy witnessed since 1999 was sown and watered by the blood of Chief Abiola and others.
He urged Nigerians, as they marked the June 12 anniversary, to must remain committed and steadfast in upholding democratic principles by participating in democratic processes such as the voters registration exercise.
The governor also charged the citizenry to vote for their choice candidates at the polls, and avoid anything that could disrupt peaceful conduct of free, fair and credible election.
“That way, we will be keeping the spirit of June 12 alive,” he said.
Ambode pledged that his administration would continue to uphold democratic principles, rule of law, strengthen democratic institutions as well as implement policies that would enhance the well-being of the people.
In his address, Rear Adm. Ndubuisi Kanu (rtd), a former Military Administrator of Lagos state, said June 12, 1993 was a day Nigerians from all parts of the country were united in their choice of a leader.
Kanu attributed the current challenges and agitations in the country to the lack of true federalism.
“The happenings in our nation today can only be salvaged if we restructure – which is a return to a federation of different peoples.
“It is in the best interest of every section of the country if Nigeria works well.
“It is either we peacefully go back to a federal Nigeria, a federation of different people who want to live and move together, or we must be prepared for an unfortunate avoidable non-peaceful resolution,” Kanu said.
In his lecture entitled `Development Strategy in Lagos State: A Blue Print for National Development’, Dr Dele Ashiru said that development was not only about economic growth but the quality of life of the people.
Ashiru, who is a lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, said development was also about rule of law, inclusiveness, accountability, power to the people and the dividends of democracy.
“With problems of militancy, terrorism, unemployment, lack of infrastructure, corruption and others, we can say that Nigeria is yet to experience true democracy and development that MKO Abiola and others died for.
“Lagos state government should be commended for upholding the principles of democracy by ensuring that its economic development benefits the people.
“Other governments should emulate Lagos and bring the country out of the several challenges confronting it,” Ashiru said.
Mr Mumuni Abiola, one of the sons of late MKO Abiola, commended Lagos state government and its other counterparts in the South-West for keeping the memory and legacy of his father alive.
He urged governments at all levels to work toward a unified Nigeria where the yearnings of Nigerians for a free and prosperous country would be met.
In his remarks, Mr Kehinde Joseph, Special Adviser to Gov. Ambode on Civic Engagement, said that June 12 was worthy of commemoration as it remained a defining moment of the nation’s current democratic dispensation.
According to him, it entrenched democracy in Nigeria and enhanced the well-being of the people.
NAN
Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State said on Monday in Abeokuta, that the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola paid the supreme price for Democracy in Nigeria.
Amosun spoke shortly after he led a walk from the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, to the Oke Ido family house of late Abiola.
The walk to celebrate the day is tagged “Democracy Walk: Lets Walk the Hope.”
The governor maintained that the June 12 event transcends Ogun, South West, Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
He said: “Late Abiola laboured so much for us, he paid the supreme price for Nigeria’s democracy. The struggle he died for transcends Abeokuta, Ogun, South West and Africa too, and we are happy about that.
“Nigerians trust him and that is why they voted for him. It is a history we must continue to recognise.
” He lives on. We political office holders must toe the path Abiola toed . M.K.O will continue to live on and generations will come to know what June 12 is all about. June 12 will continue.”
He promised that the state government would continue to honour the day, saying the government would take the celebration beyond walk in the nearest future.
Also speaking, Joe Okey-Odumakin said that Abiola paid the ultimate price for Nigeria’s democracy, adding that his votes cut across tribal and religious lines.
The human rights activist declared that until Nigeria is restructured , it would not move forward.
“June 12 votes cut across tribal and religious lines; it helps in promoting national integrity. June 12 was about three choices. It was non-violent, it was a raining day and people went out in a non- violent approach.
“As we are gathered here today, I want us to know that MKO died for us, it is our collective responsibilities to keep the spirit of MKO Abiola alive. MKO Abiola paid the ultimate price, so he lives forever.
The spokesperson of the Afenifere Renewal Group, Mr Yinka Odumakin, said that the memory being celebrated today showed that MKO was still alive.
“The issues raised by June 12 are still very much with us and if we realise this with a restructured Nigeria, it will make Nigeria better for all nationalities and all in the country, ” he said.
Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, praised the state government for supporting the family.
He revealed that when their elder brother, Bashiru was sick, the governor flown him abroad for treatment.
” The government has been supporting us, the governor always help us and all his team too. Whenever they hear you are from Abiola’s family, they always help. We really thank the governor for his support,’’ he said.
Other personalities that participated in the walk were: Amosun’s Deputy, Mrs Yetunde Onanuga, Speaker State House of Assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, former governor of Kwara, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among others.
NAN
By Ehichioya Ezomon
Next June will mark the Silver Jubilee of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Such anniversary serves supposedly as an occasion for revelry rather than as a platform for soul-searching on what went wrong with a well-ordered balloting that received global acclaim.
The past 24 years have not been able to bring to a close the cancellation of the franchise adjudged as the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria’s electoral contests.
The reason being that those who annulled the poll, then self-styled Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and his cohorts, were and still unable to give verifiable and convincing explanation for their unconscionable action.
The excuse of “widespread irregularities” at the election was an afterthought sprung on the ever-gullible public to achieve their sinister motive of not handing over power to Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, a renowned businessman-turned politician, who was “friends” to the military apparatchik of the time, and who won the election.
However, perhaps unknown to Abiola, chiefly addressed as ‘MKO’ and the politicians of that era – as events were later to indicate, the Military wanted to use them as guinea pigs, and a test-run for the elongation of their hegemony over the people. Hence, they continued to shift the goalposts in the electoral process.
Of particular mention, the Military had no real appetite for an Abiola presidency, and this showed in the way and manner of abolition of the election in its entirety – by first suspending midway the announcement of the results after two days of the voting, and finally annulling the outcome eleven days later.
Abiola’s campaign slogan of “Bye, Bye To Poverty” caught on as a wide fire. It was a reflection of his philanthropic attitude to helping the needy not just to “give them fish” but to also “teach them how to fish.”
He was a man with a large heart, who empowered thousands, if not millions of Nigerians of all ethnic backgrounds through scholarship awards to students to study locally and overseas, and grants to farmers and petty traders to ply their trades; built mosques and churches for adherents of the faiths; sponsored marriages and pilgrimages to the Holy Lands; and generally put many non-privileged and physically-challenged persons on monthly stipends, even as he opened his house for guaranteed daily meals for many others.
It was no surprise that Abiola, a Muslim, who also paired with a Muslim on the ticket, was very popular across the country, and thus rewarded with hundreds of chieftaincy titles from virtually all the tribes. Of particular mention was the one he received at about 5am at Ekpoma in Edo State, during the homestretch of his campaign for the presidency in early 1993.
It has been argued – and without definitive contradiction – that Chief Abiola, armed with his universal popularity and an unlimited war chest, would have won the presidential election standing as an independent candidate, were Nigeria’s Constitution to sanction it.
Thus, his winning of the election on the back of such popularity, and his promise to banish poverty from the system, probably rattled, and indeed, infuriated the Military to swing into action.
From there on, events sometimes moved in slow but steady stream, and in other times in rapid motions. From the conduct of the election to the suspension of its results and eventual cancellation; from the mass protests of the Military action to the abdication of office, coined “Stepping Aside” by Gen. Babangida and handing over the reins to a hand-picked Interim National Government (ING); from the sacking of the ING by Gen. Sani Abacha, as the new helmsman to fleeing into exile of prominent pro-democracy activists to avoid being hit by state-sponsored killers, to Abiola going overseas and returning later to declare himself as the duly elected President of Nigeria and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and his arrest and detention by Abacha; from the killing of Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiloa, Pa Alfred Rewane and other pro-democracy activists and supporters, to Abacha trying to form political parties (dubbed “Five leprous fingers” by Chief Bola Ige) and organise sham elections to blunt agitation for June 12; and from the sudden death of Gen. Abacha in a bizarre circumstance and to the equally dramatic and unexplainable death of Chief Abiola under the watch of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as successor to Abacha, everything was giddy in form and substance, thanks to the Military mishandling of the aftermaths of the June 12 that ended in an unmitigated disaster.
The totality of the series of events is why Abiola and June 12 have remained as symbols ingrained in our psyche for the past 24 years, especially as the current 18-year-old democratic experience in the country came on the coattail of the struggles to actualize the people’s mandate and the supreme sacrifice Abiola and many pro-democracy activists and ordinary Nigerians paid for Nigeria to live as a single entity.
As we remember Chief MKO Abiola, June 12 and those who suffered unjustly for its sustenance, we must say no to latter-day converts: fifth columnists parading as our saviours when they did not participate in the battle for June 12, and yet are the major beneficiaries of its epoch; so-called patriotic military officers and their civilian collaborators, and ethnic irredentists, who want to continually divide us.
Collectively, Nigeria’s real patriots – the masses and peace-loving citizens – must reject the evil machinations of these people masquerading as do-gooders. June 12 has no place for their nefarious utterances and actions.
* Mr. Ezomon, Journalist and Media Consultant, writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Governors Rauf Aregbesola, Abiola Ajimobi, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Ayodele Fayose, Akinwunmi Ambode and Ibikunle Amosun of Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Lagos and Ogun states, respectively, have all declared today, June 12 as a work-free day in honour of the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, in declaring today as Public Holiday to mark the 24th year of the June 12, 1993 presidential election said it was in the spirit of a united South-West states and the Yoruba nation agenda to speak with one voice at all times.
A statement issued yesterday, by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, the governor noted that his action was in line with the united spirit of the Yoruba nation. According to him, his administration is taking the step for the first time to align with other South Western states that had done the same, noting that; “the interest of the people being represented supersedes political or economic interests.’’
Also, the Lagos State Government declared today public holiday to mark June 12, saying that Lagos remains committed to the ideals of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello, the government said the holiday was in honour of the ideals which June 12, 1993 presidential election represent being a day that the country experienced an election that was adjudged as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
Late MKO Abiola The governor said 24 years after, the ideals of June 12 commemoration were worth celebrating, describing the day as one of the most defining moments of the country’s political history which has positively shaped its democratic rule.
Governor Ambode said the time has come for Nigerians to go beyond the commemoration and entrench a viable democracy as a way to immortalise the late presumed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola through the practice of true federalism and conduct of credible and fair elections.
He said: “June 12, 1993 is a day we must not forget in the annals of our democratic history. Our present democratic experience may still be far from the ideal but we must all make concerted efforts to entrench fiscal federalism which is the only way to achieve true nationhood.”
He also assured that his administration remains committed to the ideals of June 12 by carrying out people-oriented programmes across the state and making life more comfortable for the people. Meanwhile, the State Government, through the office of Civic Engagement, has perfected arrangement for the annual public symposium which will hold at the De Roof, LTV 8 in Ikeja, to celebrate June 12.
In Ondo State, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Segun Ajiboye, said the late Abiola’s supreme sacrifice resulted in the hurried departure of the military from the political scene in 1999.
As part of the programmes lined up to celebrate the day, the government is organizing a lecture, with the theme: “June 12: A celebration of courage and resilience’.
The event will hold at the International Events and Culture Centre in Akure. Eminent Nigerians, including notable activists are lined up to grace the event. Hon. Wale Oshun is chairman of the occasion, while human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, will be the guest speaker.
Akeredolu asked politicians across the country to always demonstrate their unquenchable love for the country.
The Oyo State government has also declared the day as a public holiday. A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, said that Governor Abiola Ajimobi approved Monday as work-free day to commemorate the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections.
The government said the anniversary was also in recognition and honour of the martyrdom of Chief Abiola, who laid down his life for Nigerians to enjoy the democratic dividends of today.
Also, the government of Osun State has declared today a public holiday to mark June 12 celebration in the state.
A statement issued on Friday, by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, announced the holiday. The statement said: “In line with its established policy of observing June 12 of every year as Democracy Day, the State Government of Osun has declared Monday, June 12 as public holiday.
“The public holiday became imperative in view of the fact that June 12 marked a watershed in the history of democratic evolution in the country. It was the day the June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria took place.” Late Bashorun Moshood Abiola won the election. However, the victory was annulled by the then military head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
The Ogun State government also declared today as work-free. The Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, in a statement said: “Consistent with the practice of the past six years, and, as a way of identifying with and keeping the ideals of June 12 alive, the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has declared Monday, June 12, 2017 as work free.”
The statement added: “This year’s celebration will feature the annual “Democracy Walk”, which will be led by the governor, starting from the JUNE 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta at 7 in the morning.
The walk is expected to take participants through major roads in the state capital to the Abiola family homestead, at Oke-Ido, Gbagura, Abeokuta North Local Government Area, where special prayers and speeches will be made.
Later in the day, an inspirational stage play, “Oju Kelekun” (farewell to reproach), directed by Prof. Bakare Ojo Rasaki, will be performed at the June 12 Cultural Centre, between 3:45 and 6:00pm.
…Urges FG to name a national institution after the less sage
Former Vice President and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar sends his goodwill message to all Nigerians on the occasion of the anniversary of the June 12 1993 Presidential election believed to have been won by the late businessman, philanthropist and patriot, Chief MKO Abiola.
The former Vice President and Waziri Adamawa states that June 12 and the events that brought it are part of our country’s history and cannot be forgotten, especially because of the unity and comradeship displayed by Nigerians on that Election Day in 1993.
In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, the APC stalwart notes that the events of June 12, 1993 are a watershed in the history of the nation and therefore it behooves on all Nigerians to work hard to ensure that the nation never again repeats that painful experience.
Atiku Abubakar recalls that June 12 traumatized Nigerians and made some people to question the unity and oneness of the country and whether true democracy can take root in the country.
The Waziri commends Nigerians for moving beyond the challenges thrown up by June 12 and putting in place a democratic system of government that has lasted for 18 years. He says that it is a testimony to the innate democratic nature of Nigerians that today, democracy is flourishing in the country adding that restructuring of the country as being demanded by some well-meaning Nigerians would further consolidate democracy and give greater impetus to the unity and development of the country.
According to him, restructuring of the country would lay a solid foundation for prosperity and self-reliant development across the country by introducing healthy competition among the constituent parts of the Federation based on the principle of comparative advantage.
The former Vice President describes late MKO Abiola, the leading personality of the June 12 struggle as a national “Hero and Patriot” deserving of accolades and honour by Nigerians. He calls on the Federal Government to pay the necessary tribute to the late chief Abiola of blessed memory by naming a befitting national institution after him.
Former Lagos State governor and national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has said June 12 (a day which marks the President election held in 1993 and won by late Chief MKO Abiola) overrides May 29 Democracy Day in the country because of its significance.
The former governor said this in a statement released by his Media Office on Sunday night to mark the occasion of the 24th anniversary of June 12.
Tinubu described the late philanthropist and politician as an embodiment of “The eternal Yoruba adage, which says that death is better with honour than life without dignity.”
He also used the occasion to appraise the two years of the present administration, saying any objective analyst would agree that the Muhammadu Buhari administration had already taken impressive strides to clear the Augean stables it inherited from the past administration. He said critics labelling the administration a failure was not been objective.
In the statement entitled, ‘What June 12 Taught Us,’ Asiwaju Tinubu said:
“The blood of those who gave their yesterday and sacrificed even their lives for the democracy and freedom we enjoy today was not shed in vain. The truth is June 12 is the mother of May 29th. Without the uncompromising resistance to military rule engendered by the annulment of the June 12 election, there would most probably be no 4th Republic today and we would still be groaning under the jackboots of military dictatorship.
“The annulment was a bitter pill to swallow especially for the millions of people who expended so much time, energy and material resources to help ensure victory for Chief MKO Abiola. The late MKO selflessly committed so much of his substantial fortune towards ensuring his victory at the polls. In doing this, he was not motivated by personal, selfish or pecuniary considerations.
“Abiola could have chosen to abandon the mandate in order to rebuild and resuscitate his disrupted business. But he opted for the path of the true ‘Omoluabi’. He refused to sacrifice honour for an ephemeral mess of pottage. He was an embodiment of the eternal Yoruba adage, which says that death is better with honour than life without dignity.
“Looking back, we can say, thank you Chief MKO Abiola for giving your all that we may bask in the glow of democracy today. The annulment was meant to halt the unstoppable and irresistible march to deeper democratic practice in Nigeria. That objective failed woefully. The annulment was a challenge that precipitated a concerted response, which helped to promote the cause of democracy in Nigeria contrary to the will of its anti-democratic perpetrators. That annulled free and fair election taught us, once again, to organize. It tutored us new tactics and strategies of confronting, undermining and ultimately overcoming seemingly impregnable forces and fortresses of dictatorship and oppression.
“It revealed to us the imperative of forging working relationships and diverse networks across ethnic, religious, regional and partisan divides if we were to move forward.
“It is this invaluable experience we gathered in the struggle to enthrone democracy and retrieve our country from the iron grip of dictatorship that emboldens us today to warn those directly or indirectly threatening our democracy through another military intervention to perish the idea. Just as happened in the past, those who stand on the path of truth and higher moral values will always triumph over those whose strength derive from the barrels of the gun.
“Twenty-four years after its annulment, the spirit of June 12 lives on in the hearts and minds of millions of Nigerians. The lessons of that election still speak eloquently to us today despite the utter lack of vision and imagination in governance between 1999 and 2015 that has fuelled the revival of separatist agitations and deepened distrust among the component parts of Nigeria.
“One enduring truth that June 12 demonstrated is that given inspirational, visionary and sincere leadership, Nigerians can rise above divisive primordial sentiments to demonstrate high patriotism and a belief in merit in their voting patterns.
“Thus, Chief MKO Abiola won a pan-Nigerian mandate in that poll garnering considerable votes across the various zones of the country and even beating his opponent in the latter’s Kano State home base. Again, despite having a fellow Muslim, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, as his running mate, the duo won handsomely even in wholly-Christian dominated parts of the country. All these show that it is really the elite most times that deliberately instigate the politics of distrust, fear, suspicion and divisiveness; they are the ones that all too often exploit our differences to destabilize the polity for their own selfish interests.
“This year’s commemoration of the anniversary of June 12 coincides roughly with two years in office of the All Progressives Congress at the federal level. Some critics particularly of the opposition are already writing off the government as a failure. Well, that is their prerogative and in accordance with their rights in a democratic polity. But the vast majority of Nigerians are neither stupid nor lacking in political sophistication. They are aware of the immense mess inherited by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“Of course, the APC administration has not simply sat back lamenting the crippled economy it inherited from the previous government of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, which earned unprecedentedly high oil revenues for the most part of its tenure with little or nothing to show for it. Two years into its term, any objective analyst will agree that the APC has already taken impressive strides to clear the Augean stables it inherited from the past administration. Concrete gains are being made in curtailing corruption, reviving and diversifying the economy and strengthening national security even though much harder work still lie ahead admittedly.
“There is no doubt that once the APC Federal Government successfully contains these challenges, and we are gradually turning the corner with light discernible at the end of the tunnel, it can more urgently and firmly begin to address other planks of its manifesto especially the imperative of strengthening the country’s federal practice.
“But even in our darkest moments, let the torch of democracy be our guide to the higher and nobler plains of good governance, strong institutions, reverence for the rule of law and a continually-improving and growing economy. It is only through strengthening the institutions, practices and procedures of democracy that we, like the Americans, foremost exemplars of the democratic ideal, can ceaselessly strive moment by moment, day by day and year by year to continually aspire towards the more perfect union of our dreams”.