Human rights groups; defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) and Nigeria’s Unite for Democracy (NUD) have demanded the recognition of the coalition of June 12 activists and martyrs as the nation marks the 32nd anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Moshood Abiola.
The June 12 election was annulled by former military president, brahim Babangida (Rtd).
Addressing the media at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja on Thursday Razaq Olokoba, Convener of the groups, said that they recollect with nostalgia how Nigerians all over the country on the historic day of June 12 1993, went to the polls in a peaceful and cordial atmosphere, jettisoning ethnic, religious and other primordial sentiments which have always divided us, to speak with one voice as a people with a common destiny for the peace, progress and prosperity of fatherland.”
Olokoba stressed that the historic election which has been variously adjudged as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, was sadly and treasonable annulled by
Babangida military junta for his interest of self perpetuation in power.
“However, Nigerians in unison with a common destiny, rose in stout defiance of the guns and bullets to insist on the de-annulment of the election at great cost of loss of human lives, limbs, property and freedom which culminated in the forced retreat of the military from Nigeria’s political life and birth the current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999.
He stated that June 12 has become a symbol of national unity and consciousness, showcasing Nigerians’ ability to unite around an ideology despite their differences.
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According to him, the event has sown seeds of national consciousness, promoting a sense of togetherness and shared identity.
The activist stated that the annulment of the June 12 election didn’t just mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is also a symbol of our democratic culture, resilience and self awareness.
He said; “This event has inspired a bibliography of its own, highlighting its significance in Nigeria’s history.
“The declaration of June 12 as a national public holiday by President Muhammadu Buhari has given the epoch its pride of place in Nigeria’s socio-political calendar.
“This move has helped to promote the value and symbolism of June 12. However, we need to deepen the gains of the lessons of June 12.
“The June 12, 1993 struggle was a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, symbolizing the fight against military tyranny and the quest for good governance.
“Thirty-two years after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, the inspiration from the courage and determination of our struggle still motivates us.
“We must use this medium to congratulate Nigerians for keeping faith with democracy despite the challenges that confront us as a people with 26 years of unprecedented and unbroken democratic system and like the saying goes, a people united, can never be defeated.”
He added that no matter the antics and provocation, the human dignity that democracy confers on human beings is our lot as we make our laws in a civilian parliament and not by decree as witnessed under military despotism.
“We are consolidating our democracy no doubt with its own glaring challenges and improvements is imminent and possible.”
Olokoba commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold and daring economic reforms, through the termination of the fuel subsidy regime and the unification of the foreign exchange system.
“By these two critical policies, the President Tinubu administration has saved the country the loss of about $10bn annually in the last two years and the result is that the three tiers of government now receive almost triple their allocations from the federation account to enable them provide the dividends of democracy to the citizenry.”
He explained that Nigerians can all see the gains of the economic re-engineering of the President Tinubu’s administration, stressing that Nigerians would soon begun to see the manifest in infrastructural renewal as well as other policies.
“However, as much as we are holding the federal government accountable for its stewardship in the last two years of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
“It is very important for us to demand same from our states and local government councils administration who are beneficiaries of this unprecedented largesse from the federation account now.
