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OPINION: JUNE 12; DEMOCRACY CUM DEMONSTRATION OF CRAZY ~ By ISMAEL TAIWO

As today commemorates the day the great hero of our democratic struggle, Chief MKO Abiola lost his life in the battle for the survival of entrenchment of tenets and principles of democracy, it is high time we told ourselves the bitter truth if truly, happenings around us truly reflect the commemoration.

June 12 will always be an unforgettable memory in Nigeria as it was a great loss to all. Chief M.K.O. Abiola, a great philanthropist contested under Social Democratic Party (SDP) along with his opponent Bashir Tofa under National Republican Convention (NRC) in June 12th 1993 elections that witnessed large turn-out of Nigerians who voted for their choice devoid of ethnicity and religious bigotry but the elections that were observed to be the freest and fairest in Nigeria were annulled by the then Military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida based on his own selfish interest being the pest that denied Nigerians from enjoying the ripe kolanut as a result of the nullification.

As the saying, past is gone; today is the present while we envisage tommorow. Nigeria has set today aside to commemorate democracy while envisaging a better tommorow, but what should perturb sensible minds is the question of rationale behind the declaration when all currently being witnessed in our system today negates the principles and tenets of democracy the late sage fought for while he was envisaging a future where generations after him would not be caged by tyranny.

Recently, the media space was awashed by wanton killings of citizens, and continuous stifling of voices of perceived enemies of the government of the day.

The stifling and gaging of media as a fourth realm of democracy could only be seen as an insult to our sensibilities seeing the same government known for serial clamping down on freedom of expression commemorating the day.

Is it not nonsensical for a government whose pilots are paranoid and could go at any length to stifle the voices of the people to declare today in commemoration of democracy day? The answer is not far-fetched, I am perplexed as you do.

A country where protests have been criminalized cannot be said to be operating on democratic norms; it is an eyesore seeing security operatives showing their gallantry and display of force on armless protesters while the killer herdsmen, bandits and kidnappers continue to unleash terror on innocent Nigerians.

I am baffled and utterly bewildered that today that should have been a day of sober reflection on where we were coming from, where we are going to as a nation could be a day the citizens would be in palpable fear and tension owing to the failure of government at all levels.

The demonstration of crazy by those who take delight in feeding fat on our common wealth by throwing millions of Nigeria into abject poverty questions the rationality of sensible minds on the commemoration of today as democracy day.

Country people, it saddens one’s heart that the democracy fought for by our heroes past can no longer be proud of in real practical sense but only to be used as a weapon of oppression in the theoretical books of our present crop of leaders.

We must as a nation have sober reflection and ask ourselves the bitter truth as Nigeria tethers on the brink of total collapse if drastic measures are not taken to redirect the pilots of the boat from demonstration of crazy while all signals pointing towards its capzise.

Ismael Taiwo, a Public Affairs Analyst
Writes from Ibadan.
taheewo2004@gmail.com

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Ex-Reps Member, Dapo Lam Hosts Social Media Influencers/Bloggers, Advises on Better Content Creation

Some selected Ibadan-based social media influencers who are prominent on Twitter and Instagram yesterday Friday 11th June 2021 had LUNCH WITH OMO OLOORE” at the Ibadan residence of the former lawmaker.

At the interactive session, issues bothering on content creation, collaboration, individual challenges, and obstacles hindering the progress of the sector were discussed.

Honourable Dapo Lam Adesina in his opening remarks appreciated the influencers for honouring his invitation and went further to charge them to raise the bar of content creation and media influencing in the state.

According to him “We have lots of talented Influencers in Oyo State, but one cannot fathom the reason behind the slow development of the sector in the state”.

He went further to advise those present at the lunch to do more of collaborating instead of doing things in isolation.

Different speakers at the interactive session/lunch while sharing some of their experiences also appreciated the uncommon gesture of the former lawmaker while majority agreed that working together is very key if progress must be made.

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Ooni Declares UNN Convocation Open, Charges Graduands To Add Values To Society

Arole Oodua and Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has charged the graduating students of the University of Nigeria(UNN) Nsuka to go into the world as good ambassadors and add great values to the society by proudly making use of the knowledge impacted on them by the university.

The African foremost monarch who doubles as Chancellor of the prestigious university made this admonition in his opening speech on Saturday while he was declaring The 49th Convocation Ceremony of The University of Nigeria Nsuka open.

“We have come to confer the degrees of this institution on you and I challenge you all to be good ambassadors in any endeavor you may be in the world.

You always rise and contribute to the development of our society and humanity in general as we now live in the era of knowledge-based economies and our country is looking up to our graduates like you to enable us compete favourably in the global stage.” Ooni said.

The Co-chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria(NCTRN) who is also the natural father of the entire Oduduwa Race worldwide congratuled the Honorary Degrees Awardees and Professors Emeritus for various awards and recognitions conferred on them by the university.

Represented by Minister of State for Education, Chief Emeka Nwajiuba, the visitor to the university, President Muhammadu Buhari asked the University to do more to address the needs and challenges of the country for the desired attainment of National development goals. He expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigerian universities to find a lasting solution to problems being faced by the country.

“I also challenge our universities to continue to emphasize trainings in entrepreneurship so that these graduates are able to become job creators, instead of perennial job seekers, as I have no doubt that the Nigerian universities are very much able to find a lasting solution to problems faced by the country.” President Buhari said.

Earlier in his welcome address, the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Charles Igwe stated that the event was for the higher degrees and postgraduate diplomas climaxing the 49th school’s convocation ceremony which had earlier witnessed award of Bachelors ‘degrees and Diplomas.

He put the total number of the graduands for the Bachelors Degrees and Diplomas at Eleven Thousand and Ten(11,010) while Doctorate degrees, Masters degrees and Post-graduate Diplomas were announced to be Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Nine Seven(3,497).

Professor Jacob Olupona, a professor of African American studies at Harvard University, USA, Alhaji (Dr) Mohammed Indimi, Chairman/CEO of Oriental Energy and Mrs Nnenna MaryAnn Obiejesi the Group Executive Director of ObiJackson Group of Companies and Nest Oil were among the awardees for various categories of Honorary Doctorate Degrees at the 49th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria(UNN) Nsuka decorated the Chancellor, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife.

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OPINION: Annulment of June 12 Poll, A Moment Of Sober Reflection ~ By Aderibigbe Busari

I feel so sad anytime i remember that Nigeria as a nation has once had a freest, fairest and credible election. There is nothing as disheartening as having a credible election and the credible election was shortlived by a unilateral decision.

As another June 12 is commemorated today, issues verging on the nation’s renascent democracy have ressurected again.

The electoral victory of June 12, 1993 General Election did not see the light of the day as the then Military Head of State , General Ibrahim Babangida who superitended over the exercise, cancelled and annulled the poll despite the wide acceptability of the result by both local and international observers.

June 12 election was the manure that accounted for the country’s democratic progress. Our democratic leaders, from Obasanjo to Yaradua, to Jonathan and to the incumbent resident are indirect beneficiaries of the supreme price paid by Moshood Abiola.

The democracy the nation savours today cannot be divorced from the event of 1993, particularly the supreme sacrifice made by Moshood Abiola.

The ultimate sacrifice made by chief M.k.O Abiola nourished the seed that freed Nigeria from the yoke of the military and died for democracy to survive but wat he did not bargain for is the criminality and other social vices currently pervading our system.

Chief M. K. O Abiola is the symbol of the freest, fairest and transparent election in the annals of our history, an election where no blood was shed, where a Muslim-Muslim ticket won, an election that was devoid of tribalism, religious chauvinism, ethnicism, regionalism and favouritism.

Subsequent elections in Nigeria could have maintained this laudable quality if the election was not subverted by anti-democratic forces.

Conclusively, June 12 remains a day of sober reflection in Nigeria because it was a day the sovereignty of majority of Nigerians were traduced.

June 12 remains an indelible stain in our polity.

I can’t end this piece without asking this pertinent question:

WHAT HAS NIGERIA LEARNT AS A NATION FROM THE DEBACLE OF JUNE 12 1993 GENERAL ELECTION?

I shall continue to ask this fundamental question until we get it right as a democratic nation.

Aderibigbe Yisahu Ajibola Busari is a Public Affairs analyst.

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JUST IN: Protesters Chant ‘Buhari Must Go’ As Demonstration kicks off in Ibadan Amid Security Presence

The June 12 protesters have kicked off protest in Ibadan.

It was learnt that the protest which kicked off in Mokola Roundabout, Ibadan had many youths carrying placards with various inscriptions.

According to one of ODUDUWA NEWS correspondents who is currently monitoring the protest reported that the protest has been peaceful and that many security operatives were stationed across major areas in Ibadan to forestall hijacking of the protest by hoodlums.

It was gathered that places visited across Ibadan were calm and peaceful as few people were seeing carrying out their economic activities while some placed their shops and offices under lock amid palpable fear that the protest might snowball into violence.

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OPINION: 2years and Still Counting; An Assessment of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde’s Administration.

The recent insecurity in the State is unfortunate, uncalled for and inhumane, I want to state unapologetically that while more attention has been given, especially in recent times, to the security challenges facing our State, those challenges are fleeting and will not define the success of his Excellency. Though, his actions are towards quenching the fire that burn us which was a result of a failed central administration.

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In view of this, I wish to commend Mr Governor on his swift response to security issues and at this same not to be overwhelm with praises as we still have a long way to go, and all eyes is on the “super star”.

Within two years of Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the State has witnessed high level of transformation, from infrastructure to human development, Welfare of the people, beautification of the environment among others.
While some will argue that it’s too early to assess the performance of this Government, I make bold to say while this administration might not be there yet, it’s important to evaluate their current performance to determine what the future hold.

In truth, one wonder how Governor Oluseyi Makinde is able to perform wonder in the State Internally Generated Revenue with 42% increase in the last one year at a time the Country witnessed the highest economic lockdown in recent time, without putting much burden on tax payers. I wish to commend the governor on this, and do hope that the fund won’t be embezzled by its official. There’s no doubt, that judicious use of the fund will contribute to the development of the State, and expand its economy.

The administration also takes pride in celebrating its achievements in agriculture with obvious evidence. This obviously in the construction of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub at Fasola, Oyo West Local Government Area that will be ready for Commissioning in a year’s time. Proper funding of Oyo State Agribusiness Development Ageny (OYSADA) for the youths in the State. Construction of Apete to Akufo road. Upgrade of Akufo farm settlement to Agricultural estate, among others. It’s important to note, that this heavy investment in agriculture by his Excellency is also accompany with Infrastructure to aid direct flow of farm produce to the cities.

In Education, despite the success recorded by this administration, which is also evident in the abolition of fee level by secondary school students, subvention to State Owned Institutions, 25% reduction in Lautech school fee, construction of model schools across the State, among others, despite all these, the Government has refused to honour the agreement with the students body in the payment of Scholarship and Bursary, it’s important to note that the students constituency, where I belong contributed immensely to the victory of H.E in 2019, and we will continue to talk until the agreement is honoured.

I’m aware of the several meetings with students representatives, while the agreement is yet to be fulfilled, either intentional or unintentional we hope that next year during the 3rd year anniversary, we would have a course to appreciate the Governor in fulfilment of this agreement.

I have also read in different quarters that the administration is playing politics with it that it’s been delayed intentionally towards 2023 election, I want to belthe ieve this is a rumor and not the thinking rumour Excellency. Oyo Students deserves the dividend of your good governance without prejudice to 2023 Election.

Furthermore, I commend his Excellency on the job well done on the rebuild of Akesan market. I will request at this juncture, that we need more modern market, and we have to wait until one burns before converting it to a modern market.

It might also Interest you to know that the Spare Parts market in Ibadan North Local Government need a relocation, the people might resist it at first, but it has been said that a good leader take his followers to where they ought to be not where they want to be. It’s on this note that I request you meet with the market heads and see how we can relocate the spare parts dealers, the place is congested and we should not wait till any bad thing happen before we do what is right. For a start, 30% of them can be moved.

Lastly, I wish your Excellency success in the remaining of your 2years, I do hope that you will be able to sustain your good work as the people decide come 2023.

Ajani ‘Kayode writes from Ibadan.
ajanikayode2@gmail.com.

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JUNE 12; Ibadan Prime Youths Forum Calls For New Constitution, Address Issues that Threatening Our Co-existence.

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.

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June 12: NANS Divided As Southwest Student Body Vows To Storm Streets Tommorow

The National Association of Nigerian Students NANS has been divided over the planned nationwide protest slated for June 12 by its national chapter but later suspended. This came after the Zone D Chapter of NANS has dissociated self from the statement credited to NANS President, Asefon Sunday claiming to have suspended the planned protest due to the fear of being hijacked by hoodlums.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed the Coordinator, Kowe Odunayo Amos, and Secretary-General, Giwa Yisa Temitope and sent to Oduduwa News as read in part:

“It is most pathetic to read the statement issued by the President of NANS, Sunday Asefon calling for the cancellation of the June 12 protest which had been planned for and which has had preparations at top-gear for the execution of such. In fact, it must be put in proper perspective that the statement was issued in his personal capacity as the President of NANS and not on behalf of the association, hence, it does not reflect the position of Nigerian students because no consultation was made before such statement was issued. And, it is to this end he was careful enough to have made use of first person singular throughout the cause of writing the statement.

“It should be noted that just yesterday, while Sunday Asefon was busy mouthing government’s position, students and staffs of Kaduna Polytechnic were being kidnapped.

“As we all know, June 12 is an annual ritual in the country to remember the day the peoples’ right to freely elect their leader was buried. In fact, the day is not about MKO Abiola or any personality as such, but, about the Nigerian people as a whole. And, it is important to state categorically that the essence of tomorrow’s agitation is to show our dissatisfaction as an association against the rising insecurity in the country, the increased inflation rate, peoples’ inability to access health care amongst others and to also call on the government of the day to do more in securing the people of the country.

“In fact, if some persons somewhere are going around with the tag #BuhariMustGo, that does not mean that they have the capacity to send him out of the Presidential Villa which he presently occupies. Buhari can only be sent packing though an impeachment process at the floor of the National Assembly. So, rather than suspend an agitation because of the activity of some hoodwinked persons, we are duty-bound as an association to come out and clearly state what our position as an association is on the protest that had been called. And, if at all the NANS President has the interests of Nigerian students at heart, he should have used the occasion of his meeting with the IGP to demand for adequate provision of security personnels to protect students during the cause of the protest which is actually the duty of the Police. As an association, we are not preaching Buhari must go, we believe in one Nigeria but, the current challenges confronting us, security-wise is not encouraging.

“As a Zone, we totally dissociate ourself from the statement of the NANS President and call on SU bodies throughout the South West campuses to maintain the moblisation which is on ground. June 12 day of action is sacrosanct and we shall never for any reason succumb to blackmail of any sort. Our agitation is strictly a call for the Federal Government to abide by the social contract willingly entered into with the Nigerian people”.

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