I remember June 12, 1993, as vivid as is if it came about only yesterday. That day, Nigerians thronged in large numbers to make a choice between the Presidential candidates of two political parties, the duo of Chief (Bashorun) Moshood Olawale, MKO Abiola of the Social Democratic Party, and that of the National Republican Party (NRC), Alhaji Bashir Tofa. Then, General Badamosi Babangida was the military head of state, holding the reign of power of the Nigerian country with his Armed Forces Council and eventually getting to the tail end of military rule and making preparations to usher in a democratic government through a transition programme.
Well, let us save ourselves the long epistle of travelling down the memory lane and the faulty transition as it never mattered because Babangida’s government appeared to have grasped the mastery of deception as the election result was cancelled and the presumed winner, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, later detained and died while in their gaol. That ill-considered decision turned out to be General Babangida’s Achillee’s heel, and the ugly shackles around his neck, till today.
Democracy, as a beautiful system of government gives citizens of a country the equal right and opportunity to take part in government, which in turn promotes growth and development of such country, nation or society.
With June 12 case x-rayed with all lights and shades of thorough observation, it is observed that past governments floundered in upholding the true entity of June 12 and to make true reflections on the issues that surround the fateful day in the history of our dear Nation, Nigeria. It is not even a news that the past and current administration have also flopped in bringing about peaceful co-existence of Nigerians due to their non-adherence to democratic ideals and putting the ethics and proposition of true fiscal federalism into application.
Although, Nigeria became a democratic state at independence, nevertheless, there has been little or nothing to show as its desired result of government since its inception as the true democratic ingredients such as human rights, political fair-mindedness of the judiciary, and mass involvement in government are all thrown deep down the blue sea of oblivion by government authority. Therefore, the entity called Nigeria under the rule of military and civilian governments became a charade and something subject of contradictions, so much riches but stunted growth.
Presently, the bleak picture of the nature of the Nigerian state is nothing to write home about. Nigeria has become a nation solely characterised by widespread personalization of power and bigoted attitudes. It will surely take the special grace of God for such country to experience development because citizens suffer denials of basic needs of life.
For Nigeria to save its own head from the guillotine of self-necrosis, it must be ready to process the impressive necessities of the foundation on what June 12 is birthed. And for this to be actualized, governments at all levels must imbibe a political democratic culture which advances the fundamental ethos and principles such as a free press, engagement of Nigerian citizens in decision-making; A sincere effort should be made to encourage citizens’ participation in political process through electoral redress. The present administration should also put in place a proper apparatus capable of informing the populace the strong need to respect one another’s opinions, views and religious beliefs in the society for a peaceful co-habitation of Nigerians inspite of where they live.
Moreover, shunning of all anti-democratic profligates in dealing with matters of the country and above all, an unrestricted human rights.
The implementation of true fiscal federalism should not be over-emphasised because such is capable of promoting a strong pivot for development.
Today again, every Nigerian, young and old will see June 12 as a national holiday and this should douse the flimsy conspiracies conceived to cut the importance of the day to a mere ethnic event, which it is not!
This special event is indeed another opportunity for President Muhammadu Buhari to correct the errors committed in the past.
Today, is another great opportunity for redemption. A redemption from the deleterious and malignant cancers that have paralysed our economy and severely tarnished our international reputation, as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and a total end to arbitrary arrests and torture.
On the planned protest to take place across the nation today (which is one of our human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution), I want to implore everyone to act peacefully. It is understandable that the protesters will be out to make demands that may go to as far as calling on the elected officers to vacate their respective government offices. We should also be in the know that it will be quite difficult to wrestle such demands out of the hyena jaws as the current administration is doing every thing possible to protect its “regime”. Therefore, the protesters need to be cautioned and be tactful in their processes.
I wish all Nigerians a true, participatory democracy, in which all citizens have the possibility and the right to take part in the decisions that affects their lives.
Dr. Babatunde Olotu
Media to Osumare Group ( MOG )
For; Engr. Olatunde Alejo ( Òşùmàrè )