#StillOnJune12AndItsSignificance

Hiya Sis…

Twenty-four years ago, the June 12, 1993 presidential election apparently won by the late business tycoon, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), was annulled by former Nigeria’s military president, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida and the Armed Forces Ruling Council. One of the freest and fairest elections in the history of Nigeria. Refusing to give up his mandate, he died in prison under General Sani Abachi’s military regime.

Permit me to rant a bit in this present time; nothing much has changed literally. The state of quagmire Nigeria has found herself in leaves me with a sour taste. Tired of the endless murmuring, complaints and ‘mumuism’ (according to singer, Lagbaja) we as a people engulf ourselves in.

Few months ago, Toyosi and I attended The Platform programme organised by The Covenant Christian Centre anchored by Pastor Poju Oyemade, with speakers ranging from the vice-president Prof. Osinbajo, the finance minister (Mrs. Kemi Adeosun), former governor of Anambra State (Dr. Peter Obi), and I listened to them talk about issues, challenges and way forward for our dear nation. Should I say, it’s all talk and no action? When exactly will the dividends of democracy be reaped by the citizenry?

Agitations from those who wants to secede (whom I don’t blame one bit) to those who provide all the social welfare a government is supposed to provide her citizens by themselves like electricity supply in the name of generators (Tekno’s song ‘Rara’ comes to mind), water, road rehabilitation, education, healthcare, etc.. fill the news and everywhere.

A comment quoted to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu in one of his June 12 addresses (this year, I think) says ”The truth is June 12 is the mother of May 29th. Without the uncompromising resistance to military rule engendered by the annulment of the June 12 election, there would most probably be no Fourth Republic today and we would still be groaning under the jackboots of military dictatorship.” Well, I dare say that the saying ‘the worst civilian government is better than the best military dictatorship’ is what Tinubu meant; and I ask, has the groaning stopped under a democratic republic, isn’t it even worse?….. so sad.

Like my friend Buchi would say, we are just jumping around, nothing has been done, we are good at putting the blame on past leaders only. Bro. actually said that we need a revolution in this country and I agree totes. To do the right thing in this country is the hardest thing ever for a lot of us. Who else do we blame aside some of our leaders who loot us blind? I say, we should blame ourselves as well for not holding our leaders accountable, instead these daytime robbers and gluttons are celebrated….SMH.

How long will we continue praying before we demand and actually take action, for better governance, respect for the rule of law, better infrastructure, good healthcare system and an improved growing economy? Please, pray tell.