By Akinwale Kasali

 

As June 12, 2023 marks the 30 Years anniversary of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 Election that saw late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as winner of the Presidential Election under the Social Democratic Party, Nigerians have been urged to remain resolute and United.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo Olu said it was necessary for Nigerians to guide its fledgling democracy jealously regardless of the situation that may arise.

Governor Sanwo Olu ably represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Kadiri Hamzat at the National Democracy Day celebration organized by the Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements, (AYDM), a coalition of 121 Pan Yoruba Groups, held at the St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Lagos.

The Governor called for calm, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast, guard the fledgling democracy jealously, remain united as one great people with common destiny and, most importantly, continue to have faith in the “Renewed Hope” mantra of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said as a major player in the journey to enthroning an enduring democracy, the rule of law and social justice, President Tinubu will put in his best to fulfill his promises to all Nigerians.

As we celebrate today, my message to all Nigerians is to remain steadfast, guard our fledgling democracy jealously, remain united as one great people with common destiny and, most importantly, continue to have faith in the “Renewed Hope” mantra of our dear President.

He said the story of June 12 and the events that followed it have been adequately documented and will continue to be told to generations of Nigerians.

“June 12 was, no doubt, a watershed and a turning point in the political history of Nigeria. It was a day Nigerians set aside their multi-ethnic and multi-religious colourations and, united by their common desire to see the end of military dictatorship, voted overwhelmingly for the ticket of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and Ambassador Babagana Kingibe (both Muslims) as President and Vice President on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“In spite of that election receiving global acknowledgement as our freest, fairest and most credible, the military junta scuttled the process and annulled the election. That singular action and its ripple aftermath had a most devastating effect on the social, economic and political fabric of Nigeria.

“In the struggle, young Nigerians, including University students, paid the supreme price across the states as well as on the streets of Lagos, which was the epicenter of the protests against the blatant disrespect for the will of the Nigerian people expressed through the ballot.

“Today, as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of that historic election in the annals of our country, it is proper and necessary to pay glowing tribute to the memories of the symbol of that struggle. Chief MKO Abiola GCFR, his loving wife, the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola and all those who sacrificed their lives, including those Nigerians who were killed on Ikorodu Road in Lagos,”

Speaking further he said what is most profound about this year’s celebration is the fact that for the first time since 1999, the nation have at the helm of affairs, one of the foremost leaders of that struggle, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Adewale Adeoye, AYDM Chairman earlier in his address said that June 12 Anniversary is meant to remind the nation that Nigeria must never be governed again by fascists in military uniform.

“There is a significant development. It is 30 years after a free and fair election was annulled by the military Government of General Ibrahim Babangida, yet it is 30 years that one of the iconic figures that led the struggle for June 12 actualisation is today the President Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said that the impact of military rule on the sub-consciousness of Nigerians finds expression today in the spate of anger and violence on the streets, extremism and terrorism.

“Let the echoes of our voices be heard across the four corners of Nigeria. There must never be military rule in Nigeria again. This is why one of the primary focal points of AYDM is mandate protection. The worst version of democratic rule is far better than the most benevolent military dictatorship. Democracy is work in progress,” Adeoye added.