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…says the gains of June 12 was not well cultivated

… PDP expecting more returnees after 2027 general election

Hon TeeJay Yusuf is an economist, estate management magnate, three term member of the HoR, (2011-2023) Peoples Democratic Party PDP Board of Trustees, BoT member, former national scribe of NANS, in this interview spoke on his personal experience during June 12 struggle, gains and losses, the PDP rejuvenation and its future and other sundry matters.

Today is June 12 and you were one of the apostles that fought against the military as a student union leader those days. All the dreams and all the struggles of June 12 have they really come to reality, considering what’s happening in the country today.

Thank you very much for this privilege. Straight to the point, no, I cannot say we are there. In fact, I could give out a pass mark. However, I must say we have left Egypt. The mere fact that we succeeded in pushing out the military and that is a norm now. It’s in our national psyche that military rule is an aberration. You cannot quantify or put, I mean, string value to that. It helps build a nation, where civil rule.

In fact, there are kids in some part of the world, if you mention pothole, they don’t know what it is. So we are beginning to build a culture of civil rule. Not the idea civil rule, because we lack the basic orientation required. We’ve failed in that aspect. We are part of the failure. Young people at that time put themselves in groups. We did not manage the transition properly. We didn’t prepare for it. And we don’t have the institutional backup to help ourselves to transit from agitation against military rule and agitation within the civil rule. The same mindset, the same energy and the same tactics against military was introduced. And unfortunately, that’s where we are now.

The citizenry are not properly orientated. Some take civil rule to be lawlessness, to be an opportunity, to be whatever you want to be, stealing unrestricted. Then the psyche of an average Nigerian is that they have been used to military rule and when the soldier is in power, they can do anything. So they expect you to as a civilian when you are power do exactly that. So we build our own militocracy as democracy is. So if you are not in that line, you have failed.

Some people will even tell you you have wasted the opportunity they gave you, because you are not the absolute ruler they expect you to be. So I don’t know if I’m able to explain that to say yes and no. Yes, we have civil rule. Yes, we have a sense of representation. Yes, we have democratic principles or institutions or culture that is not thoroughly deepened, that is being, for lack of a better word, there is what we call a hermaphrodite, you are a man and you are a woman, we are in civil and we are in military rule. If there is such thing, or we call it militocracy in the military days that is what we have. So we are not there. But we must celebrate the fact that people laid their lives, struggle, and make sure that we move from where we were then. I tell people that if you are not privileged to know where we were, you won’t value what we have now. I remember in 1993 or 1994, I can’t remember vividly, CDHR office was in the Ogba side, and I was coming from Falana Chamber in Awolowo in Ikeja, I took a bike. Normal police stop to ask for money from bike men. I don’t know, maybe they know it’s me, I don’t know. They just stopped the bike. I just rechecked what I had in my hand. I just drafted a press statement against the government. I don’t know what, but I used the word charade against what they were doing. And the policeman flared up. You call government charade? Maybe he knows the meaning of charade, I don’t know. But he took Segun Mayegun then former NANS President, to mobilise people from Awolowo in Ikeja to come and rescue me from him. Now, people I mean, the social media, unfortunately now, arbitrarily turned to something else. In fact, I don’t know if I should go there. My fear about social media is that the volume of fake news being diseminated through the social media. Then you are even speaking truth. You are just voicing out the opinion of your people and you are in trouble. But now people lie. What was not said, you just create it. So I think we can say, yes, we are there, but we are not there.

A little digression to PDP. You are a BoT member of the PDP, and there have been complaints here and there that many people who left the PDP, that went to contest these last primaries, are really regretting for leaving PDP. Because one, they feel that PDP remains the most structured party in Nigeria, and like you’ve always mentioned in different interviews, that PDP is the most structured party in Nigeria, and PDP will give you your rights. Can the PDP of today give people their rights?

Very well. Nothing has changed in the PDP, apart from the fact that we do not have the kind of presence. I will not lie that people who have left us didn’t affect the party. But as for the principles and values of PDP, some primaries being conducted, if people go to do consensus, there will be genuine interaction. I mean they won’t just wake up. The other parties are mostly a contribution of one businessman who runs his business. So PDP is still the only party where true democratic values are being entrenched. A lot of them who left, I know they will come back, not now maybe after the election. I saw what’s called reality.com after the election, and they want to, because there is no other way than to come back home. Ego, we allow ego to take us to where we are now. Some persons, and some people are still on that trajectory. The Turaki group are still on that trajectory. When they lost at the Appeal Court then before convention, there was an offer to them, come, let’s sit down, they didn’t. Now, they are busy chasing shadows. I don’t know what they are chasing. They will interpret verdicts ,that’s all the things I say about social media.

And unfortunately, the main media too, are doing the same thing. They are taking those information. Somebody will write an opinion of a judgment, and send it as the judgment. And you will find people carrying it, and you will find discussion in major TV outlets, centred around the opinion of that man, as the judgment. Have you seen the judgment? How come? Then, I tell people, INEC took out David Mark name when Appeal Court gave judgment about… When Supreme Court gave a counter judgement INEC replaced him. So, if Turaki claims they have victory, why don’t you take your judgment to INEC? Why on social media, why is Makinde in APM with his people? If they have judgment, why won’t they run on the PDP? Why are the people running on PDP? We believe we have judgment. So, PDP is not at its best now, but in principles and values, it’s still better than all the political parties. I’m sorry, APC is not better, I mean, look at what’s happening with APC. Primaries are done, you are waiting for National Working Committee to announce who won primary. PDP, you know who has won your primary from that day. This culture of somebody, somewhere, determine who gets ticket. That’s what got APC to that level. So that’s for another day, they can enjoy such because we are not at our best at PDP. If we are at our best they won’t try what you are doing now.

So what is the future of the PDP now?

We are out of the woods, we were in a very bad shape but we are out now. We are not there. So, by implication, it will be growing from glory to glory. I have that conviction. We will win some seats. Not as the number we had before, but I am very sure that we are growing. Even before the elections some people are coming back to the PDP. So, I would say for presidential, I don’t have so much confidence about what we can do.

But Governorship, Assembly, Reps, Senate we will make a lot of impact and that will prepare us for the election after this. For 2027, it is to establish the fact that PDP still exists and rebuilding starts.

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Body of Founders (BOF) of Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger political will in tackling insecurity, fighting corruption, and restructuring the nation’s security architecture to better protect lives and property.

Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, Delta State, the Coordinator of the Body of Founders Worldwide, Akpo Bodunrin Diejomaoh, urged Nigerians to collectively address the root causes of insecurity rather than focusing solely on its symptoms.

Addressing journalists on the theme, “Bring Back Our Children and Teachers, Protect Nigeria’s Future, Preserve Humanity,” Diejomaoh described the campaign as a humanitarian initiative aimed at drawing attention to the plight of children and teachers affected by insecurity, abductions, violence, trafficking, and other forms of abuse.

He noted that children remain the nation’s greatest asset and future leaders, yet many continue to suffer displacement, denial of education, exploitation, and violence.

According to him, the campaign is neither political nor intended to apportion blame but serves as a call for unity, compassion, and collective action to safeguard vulnerable members of society.

“Every child deserves protection, dignity and hope. The ‘Bring Back Our Children and Teachers’ campaign is not a political project or a platform for blame. It is a humanitarian call for unity, compassion and collective action,” he said.

Diejomaoh expressed optimism that the campaign would stimulate constructive dialogue, practical solutions, and stronger partnerships aimed at protecting children and preserving the nation’s future.

He urged stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete actions, noting that humanity is measured not by words but by efforts made to protect those who cannot defend themselves.

Reaffirming the organization’s commitment to justice, humanitarian service, and the protection of vulnerable persons, he called on Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to support initiatives that promote the safety and welfare of children and teachers.

“Let us stand together, speak with one voice, act with one purpose, protect our children and preserve our future,” he said.

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As Nigeria marks the 33rd anniversary of June 12, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has urged political leaders to strengthen and uphold democratic principles.

The union emphasized that Democracy Day should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democratic governance, and called on politicians to demonstrate commitment to transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

The blue collar union also advised the political elites not to allow the struggles of past heroes to be in vain by overheating the polity.

Speaking on this year’s commemoration of the June 12 election, NUPENG President, Comrade (Dr) Salimon Akanni Oladiti (JP), commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for deepening recognition for the sacred date and giving it the right status in the nation’s history.

The Union leader added that the date has indeed vindicated the union and its leadership who fought for the democracy being enjoyed by all in Nigeria today.

Dr. Oladiti emphasized the urgent need for political leaders to confront and resolve issues that pose a threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He stressed that government must prioritize tackling insecurity while also advancing programs that enhance workers’ welfare and rights. This includes providing strong legal protections, improving working conditions, and safeguarding the health, safety, and dignity of the workforce.

The astute labour leader further charged politicians to eschew acts that can cause chaos and division in the polity.

Comrade Oladiti, however, said all those involved in the struggle should be consistently celebrated or possibly immortalized.

He said: “While it is appropriate to recognize June 12 as the democracy day in this country, it is also our wish and prayer that posterity will continue to be kind to all the heroes who dared the military jackboots in restoring democracy in Nigeria. Among them were President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), late Comrade (Chief) Frank Ovie Kokori, the late politician and lawyer, Chief Bola Ige and human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN); Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana (SAN), Comrade Joseph Akinlaja, as well as former External Affairs Minister, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi.

“We recalled the role NUPENG and PENGASSAN played and the price paid by both unions and their leadership at that time for the actualisation of the democracy that is now being enjoyed in the country.

“While the leadership of these unions were dissolved by the late military junta, Gen Sani Abacha and sole administrators appointed for them, they were also starved of funds.

“The two general secretaries, Comrade Gilchrist Dabibi and Comrade Frank Ovie Kokori, and Comrade Frank Addo of PENGASSAN as well as other leaders of the unions, including the then Port Harcourt Refinery Branch Secretary were casted in jail.

“Many activists of the Campaign for Democracy and union leaders, including the then PENGASSAN President, Comrade Ganiu Owoduni were hounded out of the country to seek asylum in foreign countries.

“There are many stories about the struggle against military rule that have not been told. Some may never be told or have only been relayed in half. The story of the over 3,400 sacked workers of the NSPMC and their contributions to the exit of military tyranny is one of such.

“Though many of the actors have died, including the former General Secretary of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), late Chief Frank Ovie Kokori who spent 4 years in Bama prison in Maiduguri and was declared a prisoner of conscience by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Amnesty International (AI).

“Few of them who are still alive have hardly spoken about their heroic exploits in one of Nigeria’s most deadly battles against entrenched principalities and powers. The workers were sacked after the military tagged them as ‘agents of opposition.’ The workers sought revenge in an underground movement that shook the bedrock of the country.

“In those dark days in Nigeria, those who raised eyebrows were arrested and detained, traced to their homes, harassed and faced humiliation, victimization, incaseration and some even paid the supreme price during the struggle.

“Today, we are pleased to note that Nigeria’s democracy continues to mature with time. Although it is not without its imperfections, the system has firmly taken root. Encouragingly, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has initiated reforms that hold the potential to positively transform the nation’s fortunes.

“What remains is our collective responsibility to refine the process, address lingering challenges, and strengthen the path we are on. Democracy is both a learning curve and a work in progress. Our leaders must consistently dedicate their time, energy, and resources to deepening democratic practices and safeguarding democratic ideals,” Oladiti said.