By: Barr. Ajala Ganiyu Olawale (AGO)
Founder/President, AGO 2027 Movement.
The June 12,1993 Presidential Election, Bashorun MKO Abiola was the flag bearer of the progressive party “the Social Democratic Party (SDP)”, while Alhaji Bashir Tofa was of “the National Republican Convention (NRC)”.
It was an election Bashorun Abiola won so convincingly across the length and breath of the Federation. Indeed, the election was acclaimed as freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria politics. The Nigerian people voted overwhelmingly for “Hope 93”.
Alas! the Military junta then headed by the evil genius and the maradonic personnel, Rtd. Gen. Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida announced the annulment of the election eleven(11) days thereafter for a reason not substantiated up till date.
The entire Nation was brought to a state of comatose, and the people of Nigeria were honestly heartbroken because they were robbed and deprived of their mandate.
A political brouhaha started and much agitation set in with confrontation and challenges of the Military government.
Bashorun MKO Abiola declared himself on June 11, 1994 at Epetedo, Lagos Island as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He was therefore arrested by the Abacha led military government for treasonable felony and was kept in incarceration until his death in 1998.
Alhaja Kudirat Abiola fought relentlessly for justice with many others and she was shot and killed for campaigning for the release of her husband. May the Almighty God forgive the National and Patriotic souls of the deceased persons.
We must continue to appreciate people like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Pa Anthony Enahoro, Chief Kola Oseni, Dele Giwa, Ken Saro-Wiwa, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Frank Kokori, Dr. Beko Ransome- Kuti, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Alhaji Sheu Musa Yar’adua and Arthur Nwankwo whether dead or alive for their numerous roles for what we have as democracy today.
The involvement of our student union leaders including myself, market leaders, activists, journalists, labour leaders and professionals on this struggle of Hope 93 is valued and recognized.
The June 12,1993 election is beyond tribal sentiment or religious bigotry. It is indeed a lesson of trust, sacrifice, purposeful leadership and the believe in a one Nigeria.
Democracy is a living system of government that power belongs to the people. It is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.
The exemplary leadership qualities and sacrifice of the late business mogul, Bashorun MKO Abiola is worthy of emulation. May the Almighty God grant him eternal rest in heaven.
We also honour the resilience of Nigerians who refuse to surrender their faith in freedom and stood firm against the odds of intimidation, persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death when it was clearly coming, so that our democracy can stand as it is today.
May God bless the spirit of the heroes and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.
HAVE A WONDERFUL DEMOCRACY DAY.
