Nigerians went to the polls 28 years ago, precisely on Jne 12, 1993, in search of democratic rule.
Two major political parties — Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC) – and the candidates — Chief MKO Abiola and Alhaji Bashir Tofa, respectively contested for presidency were at centre statge.
However, the election was annulled when results already indicated a massive victory for Abiola in an election where Nigerians came out enmasse to vote.
The annulment resulted in persistent agitations for a democratic government until May 29, 1999 and the day was recognised as Democracy Day by the government of the time, which was opposed by pro-democracy agitators.
June 12 agitation was further strengthened by roles played by notable Nigerians like retired Col. Tanko Umar, Dr Clement Nwankwo, Mr Chima Ubani, retired Lt.-Gen Alani Akinrinade, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, the late Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Dr Ayo Opadokun Dr Olisa Agbakoba, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) led by Dr Asisi Asobie and the then Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) Secretary-General Frank Kokori, among others.
However, on June 12, 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari tendered an apology on behalf of the country to the family of the late MKO Abiola over the cancellation of the June 12th 1993 election that Abiola presumably won.
Buhari observed that June 12 produced unity and national cohesion and the apology was not an attempt to open wounds but to right the wrongs.
“On behalf of the Federal Government, I tender the nation’s apology to the family of late MKO Abiola who got the highest votes and to those that lost their loved ones in the course of the June 12 struggle,’’ Buhari said.
Until 2018, June 12 formerly known as Abiola Day was held annually on May 29 from 2000, to mark the day the military handed over power to former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999.
Then, May 29 Democracy Day was a public holiday to commemorate the return of democratic governance as the former President Olusegun Obasanjo became the president of the country.
Buhari said that the decision to recognise June 12 was in the national interest even as he pleaded to Nigerians to accept the decision in good faith with a promise that Nigerians would no longer tolerate perversion of justice.
“We cannot rewind the past but we can at least assuage our feelings, recognise that a wrong has been committed and resolve to stand firm now and ease the future for the sanctity of free elections.
This retrospective and posthumous recognition is only a symbolic token of redress and recompense for the grievous injury done to the peace and unity of the country.
“Our decision to recognise and honour June 12 and its actors is in the national interest. It is aimed at setting national healing process and reconciliation of the festering wound caused by the annulment of the elections.
“The move is intended to bury the negative side of June 12, the side of ill-feelings, hate, frustrations and agony.
“What we are doing is celebrating and appreciating the positive side of June 12; the June 12, which restates democracy and freedom; the June 12 that overcomes our various divide and the June 12 that promotes unity and national cohesion. This is the June 12 we are celebrating today and we will nurture it to our next generation.
“As you are all aware, nation building requires the sacrifice of all citizens. We must therefore imbibe the moral rectitude to look into our past with pride and take lessons from our rich history to draw a roadmap for the present and future development of our great country.
“We must also recognise the efforts of our heroes of democracy. It is in commemoration of this day, the spirit of which should be internalised in the consciousness of Nigerians of all ages and taught to our children and generations of Nigerians yet unborn,’’ Buhari said.
During the occasion, Fawehinmi was post-humously honoured and his son, Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, described President Buhari as the most sensitive and reasonable head of state that listened to his people and acted accordingly.
He said June 12 was the foundation of democracy in the country and that the occasion was a show of entrenchment of unity of all citizens of the country.
Analysts observe that Buhari will again give his address on June 12 with a lot of take-away lessons that can rekindle the public confidence in democracy and what it stands for.
According to them, Democracy Day celebration such as in the case of Nigeria ought to elicit more interest in the public to love, be patriotic and seek for a robust partnership with stakeholders in ensuring security.
“It is then a surprise to read that multiple civil rights and other activist groups are calling for nationwide protests to commemorate Democracy Day June 12’’, Dr Gbenga Okewale, a private security expert and analyst in Abuja, observes.
In this light, patriotic Nigerians have been calling on the public to value the essence of June 12 that has incontrovertibly become part of the country’s political development.
For instance, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, calls on the people of the ancient city of Ile-Ife and its environs to maintain peaceful co-existence during June 12 remembrance.
Oba Ogunwusi says a lot has been heard that June 12 observance will be bloody and many are ready to vandalise and destroy private and government properties which ought not to be.
But the Inspector-General of Police Usman Baba, has ordered zonal assistant inspectors general of police and commissioners of police in the 36 states and FCT, to deal firmly with anybody or group of persons, who may want to take advantage of June 12 celebrations to threaten internal security.
Baba gave the warning during a meeting with strategic commanders of the Nigerian Police in Abuja, telling officers to remain civil with law abiding citizens.
Baba’s directive also came amid speculation that there might be protests around the country on June 12.
However, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) says it has suspended its planned June 12 nationwide protest.
The president of the association, Mr Sunday Asefon, made announcement of the suspension in a statement in Abuja.
According to the Asefon, the planned protest was aimed at decrying the insecurity in the country, especially the serial abductions of students.
Asefon, however, said some politicians with “different agenda” have perfected plans to hijack the protest to “ventilate their political opinions and sentiments”.
“Having considered the current security realities and the danger to the lives of our members in case of possible hijack of the planned protest, I, in consultation with all the structures of NANS, therefore, announce the suspension of our proposed protest for June 12,’’ he asserted.
