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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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June 12: Stay Away From Southwest, Yoruba Group Warns Against Planned Nationwide Protest

The Yoruba Appraisal Forum (YAF) has warned those planning a nationwide protest on June 12 Democracy Day to stay away from the South West.

The group said people of the South West would neither support, tolerate nor join such protests, as the June 12 Democracy Day should be for celebration and not protests.

The warning came against the backdrop of alleged plans by various groups in the country to protest challenges in the nation on the June 12 Democracy Day.

The National Coordinator of the group, Chief Adesina Animashan, in a statement in Lagos on Friday, said the South West would never allow dissidents to mar the peace and peaceful coexistence in the region.

Animashaun alleged that those influencing the move for protests were enemies of state, who had been behind the many insecurity challenges bedevilling the nation.

“The people of South West and other civil society groups in Nigeria were at the forefront of agitations for the Federal Government to name June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day, which was given by the current administration, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Nigerians should not forget so soon that past administrations ignored the calls to honour the late Chief M.K.O Abiola, acclaimed winner of the June 1993 annulled presidential election that later died while in incarceration.

“Therefore, it will be an abomination for the South West which holds the day sacrosanct to see disgruntled persons and hoodlums mar the day rather than celebrating it,” he said.

The YAF national coordinator urged Yoruba youths to shun such calls or protests and should rise up to the challenge by reporting any groups or groups in their domain planning to disrupt the peace in the South West via protests to security agencies closest to them.

He also urged traditional rulers in the South West to speak to their people in their domains against being part of such protests.

“We have enough challenges in Nigeria as it is. Any further action to take to the streets either on presumed peaceful protest will be counter-productive.

“Those bankrolling such moves should get their children and immediate family to embark on such protests as the South West cannot afford to lose their youths on a mundane and irresponsible protest that may likely lead to breakdown of law and order, killings and destruction of property, ” Animashaun said.

ODUDUWA NEWS reports that June 12 is a significant landmark in the political history of Nigeria and the declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day by President Buhari in 2020 further buttressed the importance of the day.

On June 12, 1993, the country witnessed an election that many claimed was the fairest in the nation’s history, however, the results of the election remain unknown as the election was annulled by the then military head of state, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

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Igangan Killings: Ex-APC Guber Aspirant, Eruobodo Visits Community, Promises Succour To Bereaved Families

The APC Governorship aspirant in 2019 and 2023 Senatorial hopeful, Dr. Sola Ayandele has visited Igangan town in Ibarapa North to commiserate with the community leaders and families of the bereaved over the unfortunate incident that happened in the late hour of Saturday.

Recall that unknown fulani herdsmen attacked Igangan community on 5th June 2021 where innocent lives were killed unjustly and property worth millions were burnt, including the palace of the traditional ruler of Igangan.

Dr. Ayandele, during the visit, commiserates with the Asigangan of Igangan land and the families of the bereaved in sad mood, describing the incident as unfortunate.

In his reaction to an interview by newsmen present im the community, he said, “If we are saying that government is on top of this issue, we are not being fair to our people because if government is serious about our lives here, things of this nature will not happen. This is not the first time in our region. The destructions here are too numerous to mention. Government should provide adequate and functional security because we campaigned on adequate security, robust economy, and corruption-free government.”

He spoke further, “We can’t go back and tell our people that government has provided the security because lives were lost and property burnt down. What we beg government for is provision of security. We are not saying that Fulani or other tribes should not exist in our land but their existence should not be at the detriment of our people. Our people can’t go to their farms because of the fear of herdsmen.”

In his closing remarks, Ayandele promised to facilitate NEMA for quick intervention for the damages recorded in the community as well as intimate the Minister representing Oyo State to follow up the processes.

He donated cash for the upkeep of the burnt palace and to some bereaved families he visited.

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June 12: NANS Suspends Planned Nationwide Protest

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has suspended its planned June 12 nationwide protest. NANS president, Sunday Asefon, made this known in a statement seen by ODUDUWA NEWS on Friday morning, June 11. According to the NANS president, the planned protest was aimed at decrying the insecurity in the country, especially the serial abductions of students.

NANS protests not political Asefon raised an alarm saying some politicians have perfected plans to hijack the protest for their own selfish interests.

Part of the statement read: “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.”

Asefon said the protest would no longer hold as scheduled because of fear of being hijacked. He has however implored the Federal Government to address reasons why the protest was scheduled before it was later shelved.

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