Tag: June 12

June 12: Punish IBB, others Balarabe Musa tells Buhari

A former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari, to launch an investigation into the annulment of the 1993 presidential election and punish those responsible for the annulment, including Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

He noted that it was not enough for Buhari to merely declare June 12 as Democracy Day.

The ex-governor said those who annulled the election considered as the freest and fairest poll ever in Nigeria’s history were responsible for the challenges the country is going through today.

Musa spoke on Friday at an event held in his Kaduna residence to mark this year’s Democracy Day.

He said it was better for Buhari to investigate and punish those who annulled the election in which the late business mogul, Chief Moshood Abiola, was the acclaimed winner.

He said, “President should complete the task he started by investigating the circumstances that led to t annulment of June 12, (fish out) those responsible for the annulment and punish them effectively so that it will not happen again.

“If President Muhammadu Buhari does not go further and do this, anybody can do the same thing like (Ibrahim) Babangida who annulled June 12 and got away with it. Up till now, he (Babangida) is getting away with it. We must make sure that does not happen.”

In his remarks, a National Executive Council member of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Isa Aremu, said the public apology tendered by Buhari to Nigerians and Abiola’s family over the annulment was a verbal punishment of those who annulled the election.

The labour leader said the late Abiola earned the posthumous honour Buhari conferred on him last year.

“We must democratise the public space and rescue the country from the total capture and dominance of few unaccountable self-serving ruling elite. We must eradicate poverty as envisioned by Abiola.

June 13, 2020
June 12: Family wants MKO Abiola recognized as ex-President

The Abiola family of Abeokuta in Ogun on Friday demanded for an official recognition of late chief M.K.O Abiola as an ex-president of Nigeria.

The Head of the Family, Chief Olanrewaju Abiola, made the demand on President Muhammadu Buharui at the family house in Abeokuta.

The late M.K.O Abiola was believed to have won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections.

Abiola said the recognition had become necessary for Nigerian leaders to rule in peace.

He commended Buhari for conferring a posthumus highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Late Abiola and recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s authentic Democracy Day.

He, however, urged the president to actualise the mandate that Nigerians gave to his late junior brother, Moshood, on June 12, 1993, by conferring an official status of an ex-president of the nation on him.

Abiola also demanded that all the entitlements that should have accrued to his late brother from 1993 to date should be fully paid to the family.

He called on Buhari to liase with the National Assembly to debate the issue and subsequently pass it as a law.

“On June 12, last year when I spoke with the president, he said he has given him the honour, but we want it in black and white.

“Let the members of the National Assembly debate it and pass it into law.

“Moshood was the bread winner of the family and since his death, the family members have been suffering,” he said.

June 12, 2020
12 highlights of June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day
June 12 was formerly known as Chief MKO Abiola’s Day, celebrated in Lagos, Nigeria and some southwestern States of the country.

However, on June 12, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari conferred the posthumous award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Chief Abiola and declared June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

May 29 was initially the official democracy day in Nigeria, marking when the newly elected Olusegun Obasanjo took office as the President of Nigeria in 1999, ending multiple decades of military rule that began in 1966 and had been interrupted only by a brief period of democracy from 1979 to 1983.

Nigeria’s Democracy Day is a public holiday to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Here are 12 highlights of June 12, Democracy Day in Nigeria
1. The election held on June 12, 1993, was adjudged the most peaceful and fair election in Nigeria’s history.
2. It was the first election after the coup that toppled the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari in 1983.
3. The election adopted the Option A4, which involved voters queuing behind their preferred candidate.
4. Two main parties participated in the June 12 election. They were the Social Democratic Party and the National Republican Convention.
5. While Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola flew the flag of the SDP, Bashir Tofa was the candidate of the NRC.
6. The result of the election was never officially announced. The election was annulled by the then Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida.
7. MKO was presumed the winner of the election.
8. On June 10, 1994, MKO declared himself president at Epetedo, Lagos Island.
9. He was arrested and charged with treason.
10. On July 7, 1998, Chief Abiola died as he was about to be released from incarceration.
11. Abiola’s wife, Kudirat was assassinated on June 6, 1996 in Lagos.
12. June 12, 2019, the president, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) conferred the posthumous award of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Abiola and declared June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Happy Democracy Day Nigeria!
June 12, 2020
June 12 Speech: Buhari lists his achievements in nationwide broadcast

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday listed some of his achievements as Nigeria celebrates June 12, Democracy Day.

Addressing Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast, Buhari stated that the country grew its external reserves from $33.42 billion on April 29th 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments.

His words, “The 2020 celebration of Democracy Day marks 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country. This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, our achievements and struggles.

“In order to stabilize the economy, the Monetary Authority took steps to build the external reserves which resulted in improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market

“The external reserves grew from $33.42 billion on April 29th 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments.”

On the economic front, our objectives have remained to stabilize the macroeconomy, achieve agricultural and food security, ensure energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, develop infrastructure, fight corruption and improve governance.

We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every single economy in the world has suffered a decline. Ours has been relatively moderate.

The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative programme continues to deliver significant quantities of affordable and high-quality fertilizers to our farmers.

Agriculture remains the key to our economic diversification strategy.

This initiative has also revived 31 blending plants and created a significant number of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.

Government is also revamping the cotton, textile and garment sector via a CBN Textile Revival Intervention Fund that would considerably reduce foreign exchange spent on cotton and other textile imports.

Through the food security initiative, we are promoting “Grow What We Eat” and “Eat What We Grow”. I am also delighted that more and more Nigerians are taking advantage of the opportunities in the agriculture and agri-business sector.

I assure you that government will continue to support the Agriculture sector through the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and similar schemes.

To protect our farming investments, we have deployed 5,000 Agro-Rangers and employed 30,289 in our para-military agencies. We are also integrating rural communities to the formal economy by extending access to credit and inputs to rural farmers and building feeder roads.

Our efforts on growing non-oil exports have started to yield some results. For instance, in the past year, our revenue from Cocoa and Sesame Seed increased by $79.4 million and $153 million.

Africa presents a huge opportunity for our export base diversification and we are developing our strategy to grow intra-Africa trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

Nigeria has risen by 25 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 146th to 131st and is now rated as one of the top ten reforming countries.

This development is due to the Visa on Arrival policy, consistent promotion of initiatives that expand facilities available to Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, robust electronic registration and payment system, …

… seamless processing of business registration and reduction of cost of registering business by 50%. We are confident that on-going efforts would result in further improvement of this rating.

We remain committed to expanding our mining sector. To this end, I have directed the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant based on Government-to-Government financing and a Public-Private Sector financing.

With foreign and domestic investments and the participation of Small Scale Miners, we are harnessing the supply value chain in gold production.

We would also be launching a fully digitized mineral rights management platform for quick processing of mineral rights application, digitization of records and plugging revenue leakages.

The Power Sector remains very critical to meeting our industrial development aspirations and we are tackling the challenges that still exist in the delivery of power through different strategies.

c. Lagos/Ogun Transmission Infrastructure Project; d. Abuja Transmission Ring Scheme; and e. Northern Corridor Transmission Project.

Our agreement with Siemens will transmit and distribute a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023, to serve our electricity needs.

On transportation, another critical sector to improving our economic competitiveness, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure.

Through the SUKUK-Funded Road Projects, a total of 412km of the targeted 643km road projects have been completed, representing 64%.

The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund projects are also progressing very well.

On the 2nd Niger Bridge, piling work has been completed and the approach roads are being constructed. 48% of work on this bridge has been achieved.

On the 2nd Niger Bridge, piling work has been completed and the approach roads are being constructed. 48% of work on this bridge has been achieved.

Furthermore, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency has completed routine maintenance on over 4,000km of federal roads out of the 5,000km targeted.

Furthermore, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency has completed routine maintenance on over 4,000km of federal roads out of the 5,000km targeted.

Details soon…

June 12, 2020
June 12: A tragedy of democratic victory! Godwin Etakibuebu
By Godwin Etakibuebu

Twenty seven years ago, precisely, on June 12, 1993, Nigerians went to the polls to elect a President for the Third Republic. It was the first election held after the military coup that toppled the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari on the night of December 31, 1983, a coup-de-tat which benefited a Major General Muhammadu Buhari, as he emerged the Military Head of State of that Junta, and who is; fortunately or unfortunately, the democratically elected President of the Nigerian Federation currently.

The two major political parties at the time, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) contested the polls. The candidates were African business mogul; Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, also known as MKO Abiola; from Ogun State, who was the SDP flag-bearer and Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa; from Kano State, flag-bearer of the NRC.

As results of the votes cast began to trickle in, Abiola was reported to have received over eight million votes across 19 of the then 30 States, while his opponent, the NRC’s Tofa received over six million votes from 10 States. MKO Abiola was said to have won almost sixty per cent of the over 14 million votes cast in the election.

Local and foreign observers were unanimous in their submissions that unlike previous elections that were marred by massive fraud, intimidation and killings, the June 12, 1993 presidential election was generally free, fair, peaceful, credible, transparent and unique, as it was the first time the Option A4 voting pattern was deployed. It was also regarded as the first election in Nigeria that was devoid of religious and tribal sentiments.

Yet, it ought not to be, considering those forces that set previous elections – from 1960 till the June 12, asunder, vocalic and thunderous. Let me quickly mention just one of those inimical forces – religious dichotomy. The religious sentiments had put unification in any Nigerian election into great jeopardy, and it still does, except the June 12, 1993. And the golden change was that, the presumed winner of the election; MKO Abiola, went into the contest on Muslim/Muslim ticket, as his running-mate; Malam Babagana Kingibe, was a Muslim just like Abiola.

A few historical words on this wonderful political candidate of the SDP that changed the Nigerian political land scale for best, or, that man who made June 12, 1993, a historical watershed in the annals of our country’s political history, need to be mentioned.
1. K. O. Abiola was born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to the family of Salawu and Suliat Wuraola Abiola. His father was a produce trader who primarily traded cocoa, and his mother traded in kola nuts. His name, Kashimawo, means “Let us wait and see”, because Moshood Abiola was his father’s twenty-third child, but the first of them to survive infancy, hence the name ‘Kashimawo’. It was not until he was fifteen that he was properly named Moshood by his parents. Could that be the reason Nigerian political structure waited for him before bringing out the best in political electioneering process? Your guess might just be as good as mine anyway.
The June 12, elections were the outcome of a transitional process to civilian rule spearheaded by the military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB); the only Nigerian Military officer who proudly and loudly nicknamed himself as the “evil genius”.

The unofficial result of the election – though not declared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC); as earlier said in the beginning of this work, indicated victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC). The winner of the election was thus never declared as the elections were annulled by IBB, citing electoral irregularities.

The annulment led to protests and political unrest, including the resignation of IBB and a weak “Interim Civilian Government” that culminated in the continuation of military rule in the country with another Military General Sani Abacha, ascending to power as the Military Head of State, via a bloodless coup later in the year.

Again, let us take a brief chronicle of historical development from IBB’s political game of deceit in handing over to civilian administration, to the point of annulling an election considered by all across the globe to be most free, fair, peaceful, credible, transparent and unique, in the annals of Nigeria’s history. The deceit game of IBB started, we must remember, immediately after overthrowing the Major General Muhammadu Buhari’s Junta, by pronouncing himself Military President [as against Head of State, which was the norm with military institutions making horrible incursion into democratic structures].

August 30, 1990: Babangida reshuffled government, 9 ministers and 10 State governors replaced. Office of Chief of General Staff renamed Vice Presidency. Lt. General Abacha replaced Babangida as minister of Defence and retained his post as Chief of Defence Staff.

March 27-31, 1993: Businessman, Alhaji Bashir Tofa secured National Republican Convention (NRC) presidential ticket while Chief Moshood Abiola, publisher of the Concord Group of Newspapers became Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential flag bearer.

June 4, 1993: The President dissolved the Armed Forces Ruling Council and replaced it with the National Defence and Security Council (NDSC). In the same vein, the Council of Ministers was supplanted by the Transitional Council (TC).

June 10, 1993: An Abuja High Court, with Justice Bassey Ikpeme presiding, issued an order restraining NEC from conducting the presidential election on June 12, 1993. This followed a suit brought by a largely ‘shadowy organization’ [Association for Better Nigeria), headed by Chief Arthur Nzeribe.

June 12, 1993: National Electoral Commission (NEC) conducted presidential elections in defiance of the Abuja High Court Order.

June 14, 1993: NEC published results from fifteen States on its billboard outside its Headquarters in Abuja, showing that M.K.O Abiola was leading in all regions of the country including Bashir Tofa’s home State of Kano.

June 14, 1993: Government swore-in a 7-member presidential election tribunal.

June 15, 1993: Another interim Order by an Abuja Court restrains NEC from releasing the results of the presidential elections.

June 16, 1993: NEC shelved the release of the final results of the election because of “developments and actions pending in courts until further notice”.

June 22, 1993: NEC went to the Court of Appeal to challenge the interim injunction by the Abuja High Court.

June 23, 1993: The Government annulled the results of the June 12 elections in a most bizarre manner; nullified all the relevant court decisions and suspended NEC through an unsigned terse statement.

June 24-29, 1993: Abiola declared himself president-elect, while individuals and groups protested the annulment of the election.

June 30, 1993: Campaign for Democracy (CD) – umbrella organization for no fewer than 40 NGOS/Human Rights Groups, called for a one-week nationwide protest to begin on July 5.

July 1, 1993: British Foreign Secretary, Douglas Hurd, announced freezing of new aids to Nigeria.

July 31, 1993: The National Defence and Security Council (NDSC) announced that an Interim National Government comprising of representatives of the NRC, the SDP, and leading military officers will be formed.

August 1, 1993: A group of 30 Senators signed a joint motion asking the government to declare the winner of the June 12 election. August 4, 1993: Abiola left Nigeria unannounced.

30June 11, 1994: Chief M.K.O Abiola declared himself President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the eve of the first anniversary of June 12, in an attempt to claim his June 12, 1993, presidential mandate at Epetedo, Lagos Island. He went into hiding after the declaration, for fear of being arrested. And on June 23, 1994, the Federal Military Government arrested Chief M.K.O Abiola and charged him for treasons.

MKO Abiola was kept in detention until July 7, 1998, when he died [under the custody of the federal government, even in a most suspicious circumstance], at a time that his release from detention was to be in a day or two. Abiola’s imminent release had been announced Thursday, July 2, 1998, by the visiting United Nations Secretary General – Kofi Annan, and confirmed to Nigerian journalists by senior government sources. The military, they said, had agreed to release Abiola on condition that he renounced his claim to the presidency, which Annan suggested he [MKO Abiola] had done.

Unfortunately, Nigerians did not hear that “so-called agreement” from their own beloved MKO Abiola – the man they elected, as the man died suddenly after taking a cup of tea in the hands – so to say, of Americans; led by its Undersecretary of State; Thomas R. Pickering, and Nigerian officials; led by the Head of State – Abdulsalami Abubakar.

The story of MKO Abiola’s June 12, 1993, presidential election, regarded by all as the most free, fair, peaceful, credible, transparent and unique, annulment, shall remain the story of how true democracy was murdered in Nigeria, even as what we have now is not the Democracy Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola created on June 12, 1993.

JUNE 12 THEREFORE, REMAINS STILL, A TRAGEDY OF DEMOCRATIC VICTORY

Godwin Etakibuebu; a veteran Journalist, wrote from Lagos.

Contact:

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You can also listen to this author [Godwin Etakibuebu] every Monday; 9:30 – 11am on Lagos Talk 91.3 FM live, in a weekly review of topical issues, presented by The News Guru [TNG].
June 12, 2020
June 12: Governors, Afenifere, Tinubu, Atiku, others lead trajectory talks on democracy day

On 6th June 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari made an epoch-defining announcement, “Dear Nigerians, I am delighted to announce that, after due consultations, the Federal government has decided that henceforth, June 12 will be celebrated as Democracy Day. We have also decided to award posthumously the highest Honour in the land, GCFR, to the late Chief MKO Abiola, presumed winner of the cancelled June 12, 1993 elections.”

Today marks another time for Nigeria to celebrate democracy, especially that day the late Chief Moshood Abiola won Nigeria’s freest and fairest presidential elections which the military annulled and several governors, political leaders, parties and pressure groups have all bared their truths on the democratic journey of Nigeria so far.

June 12, a milestone for democracy, says Tinubu

The National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election as a milestone for democracy in Nigeria.

He said “The election of June 12, 1993 changed Nigeria profoundly. That it would have this deep and positive effect was not always certain. Many people laboured, struggled and sacrificed for democracy. They fought not that we would have Democracy Day but that Nigeria might exist as a democracy every day.

“We dare not forget how we got to this point. Planting the seedlings of democracy required much toil and sacrifice. Many potent forces tried to prevent both the planting and the harvest.

“People like late Dr Beko Ransome Kuti, the late Gani Fawehinmi, Baba Omojola, the late Pa Rewane, the late Pa Enahoro, Baba Ajasin, Pa Adesanya, Baba Adebanjo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Femi Falana, members of the civil society groups, student-activists and others fought hard and struggled mightily on our behalf. Many laid down their lives that we may have this brighter moment. Many people who we do not even know gave of themselves and lost life or limb to bring this moment to pass,” Tinubu said.

The former Lagos State governor commended the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), for having the political courage to make June 12 Democracy Day.

Repairing the of damage of June 12 to Nigeria more than a declaration of a holiday – Afenifere

On its part, pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said Nigeria would not progress except the country returned to the spirit of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Afenifere made its submission in a statement by its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, entitled, “June 12: A time for reflection on nationhood.”

It said, “We have to return the faith of our people in the ballot box like June 12 and restructure the polity so we can make progress under federalism.

“While we acknowledge the official recognition that was done last year, we insist that repairing the damage the annulment did to the polity is more than a holiday.”

PDP hails Nigerians, tasks Buhari on electoral reforms

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has hailed Nigerians for their resilience and sacrifices made to promote democratic ideals since the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

The opposition party also urged the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to take steps to reform the electoral system by using his remaining time in office to restore credibility to the electoral process.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, said this at a media briefing in Abuja, on Thursday.

Ologbondinyan said, “Our party demands that President Buhari speak to the issue of amendments to the Electoral Act in his June 12 address and to, within the next 14 days, initiate the process of returning the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to the National Assembly, with a strong commitment to sign it into law immediately it is passed by the legislature.”

Ologbondiyan said it was the opinion of the PDP that the failure to initiate an electoral reform would amount to a deliberate plot by the APC to kill Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy “and return our nation to a state of nature where the will of any individual, supported by bandits and vagabonds, will become the norm.”

June 12, the metaphor of free, fair poll – Lawan

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, described June 12 as a metaphor of a free and fair election.

Lawan said, “The heroic demonstration of patriotism by the Nigerian voters on June 12, 1993 will continue to inspire generations of their compatriots to promote national unity and defend democracy in Nigeria.

“Having come this far in our journey as a nation, we have no reason to doubt our ability to govern ourselves and attain our great potential as a nation.”

Nigeria has learnt a lot since 1999 – Gbajabiamila

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said he believed that Nigeria had learnt a lot in the last 21 years of uninterrupted democracy.

Gbajabiamila called on Nigerians to remain united in the face of daunting challenges facing the country and urged the people to pray for the country to overcome its challenges.

The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, has described the June 12, 1993, annulled election as the most defining moment in Nigeria’s history, saying the struggle to free Nigerians from the shackles of bondage will continue until the country is restructured into federating units

Democracy yet to take its roots in Nigeria- Gani Adams:

Adams, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, expressed joy that part of the dreams of the Oodua Peoples Congress under his leadership has been realised with the celebration of June 12 as the authentic democracy day.

The Yoruba leader, however, regretted that despite the sacrifices of the activists and pro-democracy groups, democracy is yet to take its root in Nigeria.

He said Nigeria can only get it right with true federalism, pointing out that the only way out of the political logjam is to let the federating states develop at their own pace.

Aare Adams said: “When the federating units are allowed to develop at their own pace, there will be mutual benefits and progress. The federating states will be geared towards achieving the best for the people at the grassroots. This is possible when there is healthy competitions among the federating units. The issue of security and state police would be taken care of without fair or favour. That is how it is in other climes where democracy thrives”

“It is good that our democracy is evolving, but sadly, it is not yet Uhuru because this is not the kind of democracy we fought for during the June 12 struggle. It is far different from what we are seeing now. The struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 mandate given freely to the late MKO Abiola in a free and fair election then was a long, hard battle to survive the military onslaughts.”

Iba Adams went down the memory lane, saying: :Those of us that are alive today still remember those moments with a lot of regrets, and surprises. We think of how we are able to survive those trying periods. The journey for this democracy has been a tortuous journey. Today, our democracy is at best, one step forward and five steps backward. But in all, we thank God that we are still alive to tell the story.

“We got it wrong right from the outset. We got it wrong with leadership. Nigeria has been crippled by bad leadership. This has always been our problem. All our leaders have lost touch with the people at the grassroots, that is why we must continue to press for justice until we get the best for Nigeria and Nigerians.”

Aare Adams also said the lesson of June 12 election is indeed for a lifetime for everybody, stressing that no matter how long the long arm of lies persist, truth will one day prevail.

Aare Adams admitted that though the Coronavirus pandemic has restrained the Oodua Peoples Congress from celebrating the annual June 12 symposium, the group remains the only formidable one that has been celebrating the June 12 anniversary since 2001.

He added: “To the glory of God, OPC has been a vocal voice requesting for the authentication of June 12 as the official democracy day. So, whether our effort is being recognized today or not, it is on record that we are part of the success stories of this democracy.”

Gov Sanwo-Olu to host Tinubu, Soyinka, Blair

To commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, will today hold a Democracy Day webinar for youths in Lagos.

They will be joined by Tinubu, and Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, at the event which will hold via Zoom at 12pm.

Also to join are the Special Adviser to the President on Political matters, Babafemi Ojudu; former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Dele Alake; publisher of Ovation magazine, Dele Momodu, daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Dr Hafsat Abiola-Costello, and Cherie Blair, wife of former UK Prime Minister.

Abiola remains a symbol of June 12 struggle – Atiku

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said the late Chief Mashood Abiola had continued to be the symbol of the June 12 struggle 27 years after the event.

While blaming Nigeria’s problems on the failure of leadership, Atiku urged citizens to make better choices when recruiting people into public offices.

He said, “Between 1999 to the present time, our democracy has thrown up all shades of characters at the leadership levels. Many, if not all of them, have tried their best to deliver good governance to the country. But the results of their efforts, judging by what we have at hand today, clearly show that our best has not been good enough thus far.

“It is clear that the problem of leadership is at the epicentre of governance issues that has afflicted Nigeria since the restoration of this democratic dispensation.

“To get at this problem would require the voting citizens of the country to undertake a more critical evaluation of national leadership recruitment – a rare gift which democracy guarantees through the instrumentality of periodic elections.”

June 12: Symbol of Nigeria’s resolve to stay together – Osun Gov, Oyetola

The Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, has described the declaration and recognition of June 12 as Democracy Day as a tribute to courage.

Oyetola also attributed the day as a symbol of Nigerians’ collective resolve because differences and sentiments are set aside and people speak as one in achieving a collective vision even in the face of the stiffest opposition.

The governor made this known in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Ismail Omipidan on Thursday.

Oyetola congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari for actualising what he termed “long yearnings of the people,” adding that June 12 is a reminder that Nigerians have what it takes to defend their democracy.

He said, “the acknowledgment of June 12 as Democracy Day is a tribute to courage. I, therefore, extend deep gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for actualising the long yearnings of the people for the recognition of the day they freely gave their mandate to a candidate of their choice, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, in an election regarded worldwide as the freest election in Nigeria.

“June 12 is symbolic of our collective resolve to set aside our differences and sentiments and speak as one people to achieve our collective vision even in the face of the stiffest of oppositions. It is a reminder that we have all it takes to defend our democracy.”

MKO Abiola, martyr of democracy – Ogun APC

The Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress described the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola, as a “martyr of democracy, who paid the supreme price for the democracy we now enjoy in Nigeria.”

The declaration was made in a statement on Thursday by the Assistant State Publicity Secretary of the APC Caretaker Committee, Mrs Olusola Ogunsanya, and the party chairman, Chief Yemi Sanusi.

The party also described the late Abiola as a “worthy ambassador of our state, and emblems of the many contributions of her citizens to national development in many spheres of life, which we are very proud of.”

June 12, 2020
Democracy Day: Nigeria must continue drawing lessons from June 12 – Omo-Agege

Nigeria and Nigerians must continue to learn from the lessons of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has said.

In a special message to commemorate this year’s Democracy Day, Senator Omo-Agege also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for officially declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day instead of May 29, adding that June 12 has deep historical significance for Nigeria’s democracy.

He also applauded the President for recognizing the winner of the election, MKO Abiola, by awarding him the highest honour, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), usually reserved for presidents.

Omo-Agege who doubles as Chairman, Senate Committee on Constitution Review, pointed out that coming generations will be inspired by what June 12 represents.

He also paid tributes to great heroes of the country’s democratic evolution.

“June 12, 1993 remains a poignant chapter in the political history of Nigeria and like millions of other Nigerians, I hold the date very dear. It was a date that an unprecedented multitude of Nigerians resoundingly spoke with one voice regardless of ethnic, religious or whatever form of differences.

“I remember too, the large-heartedness and great philanthropy of the central figure of the June 12 struggle, late Aare MKO Abiola whose friendships and generosity traversed the entire length and breadth of Nigeria and even beyond.

“Today, as I join all those who participated in the June 12 struggle to reminisce over the unforgettable moments that have left indelible imprints on our minds over the past 27 years, I also remember all the great heroes of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

“The nationalists of late Herbert Macaulay’s era led the way towards the realization of an independent Nigeria, the exemplary selflessness of First Republic leaders like Sardauna Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello was terminated with profoundly painful memories, we had icons like the great Nnamdi Azikwe suffering undue relegation to the sidelines and the truest and fairest elections ever achieved as of June 12, 1993 sadly culminated into the death and imprisonment of passionate activists, including the flag bearer of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party, Chief MKO Abiola and his dear activist wife, Kudirat Abiola.

“Needless to say, our collective pains and disappointments have only reinforced our resolute commitment towards democratic goals and ideals and daily, I find great lessons and inspiration in the struggles and sacrifices of our great heroes past,” he said.

While assuring that the 9th Assembly would continue to focus on engendering good governance for the people through synergy with the executive arm of government, the lawmaker also commended the media, labour and pro-democracy activists for their immense contributions in keeping the spirit of June 12 alive.

He also prayed to the Almighty God that the loss of all those who patriotically made the supreme sacrifice during the June 12 struggle, would not be in vain.

He said: “Strengthened by lessons from the past, life is better lived looking forward; while our party, the APC along with President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly leadership under Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan remain focused on our party’s pro-people manifesto, our individual roles also deserve to be imbued with such dynamism that reflect historical and current realities.

“On my part, I have pragmatically chosen to keep the spirit of the people’s June 12 aspirations alive through vigorous pursuit of populist grassroots development in my constituency, Delta Central Senatorial district where our welfarist projects and grassroots philanthropy eloquently speak for themselves.

“Also, as in all responsibilities assigned to my office, my chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Constitution review is not only determined to ensure a more robust democratic growth but the empowerment of the hitherto voiceless majority, especially our women and youth”.

June 12, 2020
June 12 was not a date, it was history, By Owei Lakemfa

By Owei Lakemfa.

WHEN the military regime led by the cunning General Ibrahim Babangida once again postponed civil rule elections to June 12, 1993, it was unaware it was setting an historical date that will eventually consume it and disgrace the military out of power. It was part of the generals’ hidden agenda of organising party primaries and elections, turning round to annul them and shifting the transition programme goal post.

We in the pro-democracy coalition, the Campaign for Democracy, CD, had seen through the Transition Programme fraud and our leader, Alao Aka-Bashorun, consistently raised the issue of the Hidden Agenda. We were convinced the June 12 elections would be annulled and did not take part. However, when it was annulled, we thought it was an opportunity to mobilise the populace and throw the military out of power.

We were convinced we could carry this out, but ironically, feared that the politicians could sabotage us. So there was a need for their buy-in. The CD leadership consisting of the Chairman, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Dr. Friedrick Fasehun, Messrs Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana and I met Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the winner of the annulled elections to brief him of our plans and solicit his support. He was to be the main beneficiary of the de-annulment as he would be sworn in as the President, but we knew he was quite close to the military junta and may not want a confrontation.

We met a man in a dilemma, but all we needed was an assurance that he would not denounce us. He promised. Abiola also agreed to address the demonstrators in Lagos who we would mobilise to his residence.

On July 5, 1993, the first day of the protests, we completely paralysed the country and literarily emptied the mega city of Lagos on to the streets. After hours of street protests and completely submerging the armed military, police and security services and their armoured personnel carriers, the protest made a landfall at the Abiola residence off Toyin Street, Ikeja.

Due to the surging crowd, it took over thirty minutes for Beko, some CD leaders and I to gain entrance into the Abiola premises only to be told by his security details that he had “travelled.” Since we had met him for a final briefing the night before, we asked when he travelled. The security men claimed he flew out that morning. I told them it was a lie, because I was in charge of the Oshodi-Mafoluku-Airport axis, and by 5.30 am, we had secured all routes to the airport and were still in control as I spoke, so Abiola could not have travelled through the airport. Beko asked us to leave.

After we crossed the gate back into the crowds, we got word Abiola wanted to see us. But it was too late; we could not wade through the crushing crowds for a second time. Beko sat on the pavement of an empty gutter on the road, I stood by him, and moments later, Abiola climbed the gate of his premises to address the crowds. The photograps of him standing above his gate and addressing the crowds, were historical.

Next day, we were back in the streets, this time, then Chief of Army Staff, General Sani Abacha had been despatched from Abuja to retake Lagos by force. That day, the military shot dead 118 persons on the streets of Lagos, some of our leaders like Beko and Chief Gani Fawehinmi were arrested, and Abiola was on radio saying his mandate was freely given and, therefore, did not need any bloodshed for it to be restored. In other words, he was denouncing us and demobilising the crowds. Despite these, the protests continued.

Then, we campaigned amongst the populace that since the military was murderous, we needed to avoid further bloodshed in the streets, so the next stage of the de-annulment struggle should take the form of a sit-at-home protest.

The regime countered urging the people to ignore our call and assured them of protection. The populace ignored the regime and stayed at home. It was a sort of referendum and the regime of the gap-toothed general tottered and collapsed like a pack of cards. Babangida was forced to “step aside” never to return to our national life. He was consigned to the dustbin of history.

When the Interim National Government, ING, contraption headed by the pliant Chief Ernest Shonekan was erected to replace the Babangida regime, its core mandate was to conduct fresh presidential elections. For this, it needed a review of the national voters register. But Abiola said the annulled June 12 elections was like a derailed train and until it was cleared, no other train could pass. In other words, that there should be no new elections.

He wanted the voters register review disrupted or stopped. Abiola had no troops on ground to execute this, so he reached out to the CD through Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Beko, Fasehun and I had a meeting with Tinubu in his Victoria Island office. All we requested was the placement of CD adverts asking the populace to boycott the voters review, printing of mobilisation materials, and for Lagos, the provision of ten-fifteen 911 (Molue) buses. Beko asked me to coordinate the operation.

When the review commenced, we moved into action across the country effectively disrupting the exercise. The Lagos operation was generally easy; the electoral officials were mainly teachers and they handed over the review materials without any protest. In some cases, they helped us load the materials into our buses as the police looked on.

All the CD did, was appeal to Nigerians to take their destiny in their hands and right the criminal wrongs of the military junta. We paid no stipends, no allowances, no ‘man no be wood’ and provided no food. The costs were just fuelled buses, leaflets and two newspaper adverts. The youths and students who carried out this clinical operation were not only prepared to sacrifice their vocation, jobs or education, but also their lives. So it would have been an insult to offer them any inducement.

There indeed was a country called Nigeria where boys and girls, women and men were ready to sacrifice all they have, and some, indeed, paid the supreme sacrifice. There is truly a country called Nigeria where despite the monetisation of governance and serial betrayals of the peoples’ trust, there are Nigerians willing to stand up to be counted.

Those who believe every Nigerian has a price, are delusionary; show me ten traitors, and I can rally a thousand patriots willing to take them down. Nigeria, like the patriotic poet and writer, Odia Ofeimun is never tired of saying, is indeed saveable!

June 11, 2020
BREAKING: FG declares June 12 Public Holiday

The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 12, as public holiday to mark this year’s Democracy Day Celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad for the entrenchment of democratic rule in the country.

The Minister commended the heroes of democracy for their dogged determination and sacrifice which eventually birthed Democratic Governance in Nigeria.

A statement signed by the permanent secretary in the ministry, Georgina Ehuriah quoted Aregbesola as calling on all Nigerians to continue to cherish the selfless efforts made to attain democracy.

He urged Nigerians to collaborate with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration to ensure the realization of the democratic ideals which these Patriots fought for, even at the cost of their lives.

The Minister who reassured Nigerians of the Federal Government’s commitment to battling the scourge of COVID-19 with the cooperation of all Nigerians, advised them further, to take responsibility for stopping the spread of the virus.

He reiterated the need for all Nigerians to stay safe by observing physical and social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.

June 8, 2020
June 12 too early for La Liga return – Pique

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has said he would like to see La Liga’s return pushed further back than June 12, the date the league’s president Javier Tebas suggested on Sunday.

Defending champions Barca were two points clear of bitter rivals Real Madrid through 27 matches when the season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

With teams beginning to return to individualized training this month, Tebas is targeting next month for a return to the pitch.

“I would like it [the season resuming] to be June 12, but it will depend on the numbers,” Tebas told Movistar on Sunday.

“In the end it will be up to the health authorities. They explain what can be done. We do not rush, we are not the ones who decide the phases.”

Pique, though, said he would prefer to finish the campaign later than the date suggested by Tebas.

“I understand La Liga’s interest in finishing the season because there’s a lot at stake. Despite being leaders, it would be quite ugly to win [the league] that way,” Pique told Movistar.

“I have heard Javier talk about playing again on the 12th …. We’ve spent a lot of time out of action and we have to keep in mind we need to be well prepared to avoid the risk of injuries. If I can contribute my opinion, a few more days wouldn’t hurt us.

“They’ve kept us very well informed, Javier Tebas has dedicated many hours to it. There are people who are scared and it’s important that everyone follows the protocol to the finest detail. It’s better training as a group but we have to adapt.”

May 11, 2020