Posted by By Clifford Ndujihe on
IN recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by Chief M.K.O. Abiola in the nation's march to democracy, many prominent Nigerians from the six geo-political zones are expected to be in Lagos on Sunday for this year's anniversary of the annulled June 12, 2003 presidential election.
IN recognition of the supreme sacrifice made by Chief M.K.O. Abiola in the nation's march to democracy, many prominent Nigerians from the six geo-political zones are expected to be in Lagos on Sunday for this year's anniversary of the annulled June 12, 2003 presidential election.
The late Abiola presumed to be the winner of the election which was annulled by the administration of former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd), died in detention while struggling to reclaim his mandate under the government of late Gen. Sani Abacha.
As part of activities to mark this year's anniversary of "June 12" a symposium organised by The June 12 Coalition will be led by renowned human rights activists Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti and Mr. Wale Okunniyi.
Eminent Nigerians expected to grace the occasion include former military governor of the defunct Eastern Region Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari , former Governor of Anambra State Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife and former military administrator of Lagos State, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd).
In separate chats with The Guardian yesterday, Ransome-Kuti and Okunniyi listed other expected personalities as former Kaduna State Governor, Alhaji Balarabe Musa; Prof. Wole Soyinka and Chief Anthony Eromosele Enahoro.
According to Okunniyi, the theme of the event is: "June 12 and the National Question." It will hold at the Magodo, Lagos National Secretariat of the Pro-National Conference Organisations (PRONACO) at 2 p.m.
Ransome-Kuti said the event would witness some eminent persons discussing various themes on the June 12 matter. They are Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi; Chief Oronto Douglas; Dr. Kayode Fayemi and Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola.
The June 12 coalition consists of about 20 groups including the United Action for Democracy UAD), Citizens' Forum (CF), Campaign for Democracy (CD), National Democratic Movement (NDM) and student groups.
Besides the symposium, other activities lined up for the 12th anniversary include a really at Tai Solarin Square, Yaba at 8 a.m.
The rally is being organised by PRONACO, Action Group and the UAD.
Speaking on the significance of June 12 in the polity, Ransome-Kuti said it was a pity that the Federal Government, six years into civil rule, had not recognised Abiola or June 12.
His words: "This government seems to be playing the ostrich. What produced the government is probably the antithesis of June 12. The government is a contraption of the military. It emerged from a military constitution and many military men played active roles in setting it up. We are not surprised that we have not realised the promise of June 12.
"Abiola played a vanguard role in the enthronement of democracy by his principled stand on the sanctity of June 12. Having given up his life in the struggle, I think he should be recognised for his role".
The pro-democracy activist also urged the government to recognise the departed heroes and heroines of democracy like Mrs. Kudirat Abiola and Chief Alfred Rewane.
On how best to honour Abiola, Ransome-Kuti said; "Institutions in the country like the Abuja National Stadium, one of the airports or something ingenious should be named after him.
"More importantly, the date June 12 should be given prominence because it is the genuine democracy day. It was the day Nigerians voted for democracy although it was annulled by the military".