It’s important we remind ourselves of the significance of June 12 and June 24 in the history of Nigeria.
Just as the Nigeria government over the years delibrately neglected the events that led to the civil war and the realities of the war, the same way they have deliberately neglected the events and reality of Pre and Post June 12, 1993.
Kashimawo Moshood Abiola came with a slogan of Hope, true development and Inclusive Government which made him accepted throughout the Northern and Southern region, unfortunately, the beginning of a new Nigeria was cut short by the Military administration of Ibrahim Badamasi Babaginda through the annulment of the generally accepted election on June 24, 1993, citing frivolous excuses.
At IPYF we believe that the Unity of Nigeria will continue to the threaten by Individuals or region who feel that they are excluded from the running/resources allocation of the Nation, unless this is addressed through a new Constitution that will address all technicalities in our Election, as it regards to regional population, protect the interest of Minority groups and serve the interest of all Nigeria.
Furthermore, the National Coordinator, Dr. Tunmise Adeagbo while describe the ongoing Constitutional Amendment as nothing but painting a house which need total reconstruction.
“To ensure that we continue to live as a people, issues regarding the annulment of June 12 needs to be addressed beyond declaring the day as Democracy day, likewise other issues that threatens our existence. The ongoing Amendment to the 1999 Constitution is a waste of resources, the Constitution from the beginning is a product of the Military, it’s not people’s centered, the phrase that some part of the Constitution are only implementable when practicable and cannot be enforce in the court of law is a fraud. What we need is the people’s Constitution, the one that will be made by the people themselves, address their needs and protect the interest of every one”. he said.
Conclusively, the National Coordinator appeal to the Federal Government to prioritize the security of every citizens beyond ethnic affiliation, criminal elements across ethnics should not have a hiding place and criminal should be treated as criminal, as that is the only way we can foster unity.
Furthermore, as we suggest the need for a new Constitution that will reflect the needs of the Citizens, it’s important the leaders of the country that having a true and genuine National Dialogue with the citizens as this with instill to the people a sense of belonging in the Nigeria Project.
As we mark this year’s Democracy day, we recognize those who lost their souls to the struggle of June 12, and hope that their efforts will not be in vain.
Signed:
Aare (Dr) Oluwatunmise Adeagbo MMBS, MHPM, MPH.
Ag. National Coordinator, IPYF.
Aare Olanrewaju AbdulWahab
Ag. National Secretary, IPYF.
June 12, 2021.