FOR presenting a major paradigm shift in the political history of Nigeria, it is not surprising that June 12, 1993 has remained a monumental factor that could not be wished away in the country. It is one development that significantly changed the course of events in the country, despite the questionable handling of its results by the then military authorities. The election of the day continues to attract wide acclaim as the freest and fairest presidential election held in the nation.It is equally surprising that the day is yet to be properly accorded a deserved status in the nation's history, in spite of the recent effort by the Federal Government on May 29 to immortalise the symbol of the struggle, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola by seeking to rename the University of Lagos after him. This first such attempt by any administration, came 14 years after Abiola died in detention trying to claim his mandate. But June 12 was a momentous occasion that brought Nigerians in an accord that transcended religious and ethnic divide, and set the nation on a new direction after many years of military rule.June 12 has become a much bigger issue than the arrowhead, 19 long years after, a fact that lends credence to its yearly celebration by pro-democracy forces nationwide. No doubt, it will remain in public discourse for long. The authorities need to confer a more significant status on the day, for instance, by observing it as a National Day.President Goodluck Jonathan took a significant (though controversial) step by renaming the University of Lagos after Abiola, but did nothing about the day that turned the late politician into an icon. He ought to have recognised June 12 for what it is ' a watershed in the country's politics. The Federal Government can declare it Democracy Day, or Abiola Day, whether or not as a public holiday, but to be commemorated with memorable events.President Jonathan is himself a major beneficiary of the landmark event. He probably would never have become president without the events of June 12.The symbolism of June 12 is that of liberation and a platform of national unity, even in the military. From available records, the voting was across board, peaceful, fair and free, producing a man that became a symbol of unity and represented the people's aspiration. Significantly it was the first election won by a southerner in a muslim-muslim ticket, in post-independent Nigeria. Unfortunately the country lost the massive potential of national consensus struck on June 12, and therefore, failed to use it as a springboard for national unity and progress.After the annulment, June 12 gave the country cause to ponder on missteps of the past, and created an opportunity to learn from the deeds of heroism. The post-election events provided opportunities to draw strength from the heroes and heroines of the struggle. It proved that Nigerians could bear their destiny in their hands. June 12 was the beginning of the real aspiration for democracy and an end to dictatorship. Sending the military to the barracks permanently afforded the civilian population the chance to learn how to fight for and assert their freedom through the ballot box. June 12 is certainly beyond the winner, as some people had mischievously sought to confine it.The political class ought to imbibe the numerous lessons inherent in June 12. Elected representatives of the people at every level should show sensitivity and sincerity by making life more bearable for the people; and stamping out corruption that has fostered abject poverty in the nation. Sadly, politicians seem clueless in tackling national problems.Ultimately, the prerogative to make June 12 more symbolic than what obtains at present is that of the Federal Government. President Jonathan should initiate further consultations to this effect, immortalise June 12 and find ways to harness the gains of that day when, for the first time, all Nigerians, from North to South, Muslim and Christian, young and old, spoke with one voice and said, never again to tyranny.
Click here to read full news..
