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June 12: Don’t reduce its significance to mere celebrations of parties,DG, CCLCA, Dr Nwambu advises FG
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Director General of Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, CCLCA, Dr Gabriel Nwambu has advised the Federal Government not reduce the June 12 to mere celebrations of parties.
Dr Nwambu gave this advice in a statement entitled:’ The Significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s Journey to True Democracy’, noting that:
“June 12 holds great significance in Nigerian democracy as it symbolizes the struggle for a truly democratic government and the sacrifices made to achieve it. The significance of June 12 includes:
“Free and Fair Elections: On June 12, 1993, Nigeria held its presidential elections, which were widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the country’s history. The election saw Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola, win by a significant margin. This demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for a democratic system and the willingness to participate in the electoral process.
” Suppression and Struggle: Despite the overwhelming victory of MKO Abiola, the then military government, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election results. This act of suppression sparked widespread protests and civil unrest across the country, as Nigerians demanded the restoration of their democratic mandate.
” Symbol of Democracy: June 12 became a powerful symbol of the fight for democracy and people’s resistance against military rule. The annulment of the election and subsequent protests raised national consciousness and highlighted the need for a democratic system based on the will of the people.
“MKO Abiola’s Detention and Death: Following the annulment, MKO Abiola was imprisoned by subsequent military governments for his refusal to renounce his electoral victory. He remained in detention until his death on June 12, 1998. His sacrifice and commitment to democratic principles turned him into a martyr for democracy, further amplifying the significance of the day.
” Democracy Day: In 2018, almost three decades after the annulled election, the Nigerian government officially recognized June 12 as Democracy Day and replaced the previous celebration on May 29. This change acknowledges the role of June 12 in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy and honors MKO Abiola’s legacy.
” National Healing: Honoring June 12 as Democracy Day allows Nigerians to come together and reflect on the importance of democracy and the need to protect and uphold the rights and freedoms it guarantees. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still need to be addressed to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
“The significance of June 12 in Nigeria’s democracy should not be reduced to ceremonies that appears like someone’s birthday of sort, it should be a time to thinker, a time for sober reflection, a time for appraisal on our democratic Journey thus far, it lies in its representation of the struggle for democratic systems, the enthronement of the people’s will through free and fair elections, and the sacrifice made by MKO Abiola.
” It serves as a constant reminder of the value of democracy and the need to continually strive for its preservation and improvement. We should be able to profer solutions on how to improve on the lot of the Nigerian populace.
Prince Kayode Adewale, a contestant for the vacant Owa-Obokun of Ijesa land throne, has urged the Osun state government and traditional kingmakers to rely on oracles and deities in selecting the next monarch of the ancient town.
Prince Adewale of the Owa Bilaro Oluodo Royal Family, made the call during a press conference in Ilesa, Osun State, on Thursday.
He noted that the Ifa oracle, along with the Obokun and Ogun deities, should be the determining factors in the selection process.
The stool became vacant following the passing of Oba Gabriel Aromolaran, who joined his ancestors on September 11, 2024, after a 42-year reign.
As the contest intensifies, an Osun State High Court, presided over by Justice Adeyinka Aderibigbe, has restrained Governor Ademola Adeleke and others from appointing a new Owa-Obokun from the Haastrup family or any other candidate.
Amid the ongoing legal battles, Prince Adewale reaffirmed his interest in the throne, advocating for adherence to traditional processes to ensure fairness and legitimacy.
He said: “The Owa Obokun stool is not for sale. In Ijesaland when it’s comes to selection of a new King the Ifa, Obokun and Ogun deities will be consulted and the person that has the highest vote from them will emerge as the king.”
Declaring his intention, Adewale said he is committed to standardizing mining practices and implementing robust land reclamation policies.
“Ijeshaland is blessed with abundant natural resources, particularly in gold mining. However, our gold resources must be harnessed responsibly and sustainably. Under my leadership, I will work towards the standardization of gold mining practices, ensuring that this wealth benefits the people of Ijeshaland while preserving our environment for future generations.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved the extension of the implementation of the capital component of the 2024 budget from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Leader of the House, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, laid the report of the report of the bill seeking the extension as the House dissolved into the Committee of Supply to consider it.
It is titled, “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Appropriation Act, 2024 to extend the implementation of the Capital Component of the Appropriation Act, 2024 from 31 December, 2024 to 30 June, 2025 and for Related Matters (HB.2023)”
Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who announced the adjournment of plenary to January 14, 2025, urged members to work hard in their various to ensure that the prompt passage of the 2025 budget upon resumption.
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) on Thursday condemned in strong terms the suspension of 18 local government chairmen and councillors in Edo state by the House of Assembly.
Governor Monday Okpebholo had accused the suspended chairmen of disobeying his instructions by allegedly refusing to submit their financial records to the state government.
However, the ALGON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BoT) on Thursday jointly condemned the decision saying the governor and lawmakers did not give the council chairmen fair hearing to defend themselves.
The association at an emergency meeting in Katsina state, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene, emphasising the need to respect the autonomy and independence of local governments as guaranteed by the nation’s constitution and recent ruling by the Supreme Court.
“ALGON views this suspension as a setback for democracy and abuse of power, particularly since the chairmen were not given a chance to defend themselves.
“This suspension is invalid. It contradicts the Supreme Court’s judgment granting local governments autonomy,” the ALGON National Publicity Secretary, Hamisu Anani, in a statement said.
Anani stated that if the Edo State House of Assembly’s decision was right, it would not have generated criticisms across the length and breadth of the country.
“This suspension is unconstitutional; it is null and void.
“ALGON is hereby urging the Edo State House of Assembly to reverse the decision and respect the rule of law to strengthen democratic governance.
“ALGON also appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt this abuse of power,” the statement said.
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