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.