Reliving June 12 Phenomenon
By Stella Odueme Correspondent, Lagos
Indeed June 12 as a phenomenon, has become a rallying point for democracy in Nigeria. In its editorial opinion on June 4, 2010 while reviewing the activities surrounding June 12, 1993, Daily Independent Newspapers, quoting Herodotus, the ancient Greek philosopher wrote: “a person who does not know anything about what happened before he was born will remain forever a child.”
The paper then gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for acknowledging, on behalf of the Federal Government, the positive roles played by a host of individuals in the process that gave birth to the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria, 11 years ago.
In obvious recognition of the heroic roles and sacrifices made by the late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola and his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, chief Alfred Rewane, Baguda Kaltho and many others who paid the ultimate price for the restoration of democracy, INL in its contributions, organised a lecture to commemorate the 17 anniversary of June 12 under the distinguished chairmanship of former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, while former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu was Guest of speaker.
Discussants at the occasion included: President, Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Civil Rights Congress, Comrade Shehu Sani, President, West African Bar Association, Femi Falana and Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Grouo, Hon. Wale Osun.
The event with the theme: “Towards Credible 2011 Elections and The Lessons of June 12” , held at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja was well attended by proponents of democratic governance and electoral reforms. In fact, as early as 8.00 in the morning, guests had started streaming into the venue of the event. Apart from the discussants, notable politicians equally graced the occasion. These included the national Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Victor Umeh and Osun State Action Congress (AC) candidate in the 2007 gubernatorial election, Rauf Aregbesola.
Buhari said credible election was the key to the nation’s development and stressed that Nigerians must rise up to the challenge of June 12 and ensure they protect their votes in the 2011 elections and thereafter.
“It is up to Nigerians to insist that their votes must count and that free, fair and credible election is assured. I must say that credible elections are in the hands of Nigerians to decide, they must resist anything contrary. June 12 has been institutionalized because of the clear injustice that was done to democracy.
“The system would have been stabilized and we would have been better for it. We will continue to press for credible election and we will not rest until it is achieved. Unless we are serious with our democracy, we will be wasting our time. The time has come for us to put in power people we have confidence in, people we believe that can deliver”, he stressed.
Tinubu, among other points, emphasized the urgent need for a new voter’s register, arguing that the present voters register would not guarantee credible and fair election.
“It is the duty of all Nigerians to ensure that our votes must count. Nigeria is back again in political frenzy as we get nearer to the critical year of 2011. June 12 is a date for ever’, he remarked.
http://igchuka.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-12.html
By Stella Odueme Correspondent, Lagos
Indeed June 12 as a phenomenon, has become a rallying point for democracy in Nigeria. In its editorial opinion on June 4, 2010 while reviewing the activities surrounding June 12, 1993, Daily Independent Newspapers, quoting Herodotus, the ancient Greek philosopher wrote: “a person who does not know anything about what happened before he was born will remain forever a child.”
The paper then gave kudos to President Goodluck Jonathan for acknowledging, on behalf of the Federal Government, the positive roles played by a host of individuals in the process that gave birth to the restoration of democratic rule in Nigeria, 11 years ago.
In obvious recognition of the heroic roles and sacrifices made by the late Bashorun M.K.O Abiola and his wife, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, chief Alfred Rewane, Baguda Kaltho and many others who paid the ultimate price for the restoration of democracy, INL in its contributions, organised a lecture to commemorate the 17 anniversary of June 12 under the distinguished chairmanship of former head of state, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, while former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu was Guest of speaker.
Discussants at the occasion included: President, Campaign for Democracy, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President, Civil Rights Congress, Comrade Shehu Sani, President, West African Bar Association, Femi Falana and Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Grouo, Hon. Wale Osun.
The event with the theme: “Towards Credible 2011 Elections and The Lessons of June 12” , held at the Banquet Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja was well attended by proponents of democratic governance and electoral reforms. In fact, as early as 8.00 in the morning, guests had started streaming into the venue of the event. Apart from the discussants, notable politicians equally graced the occasion. These included the national Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Victor Umeh and Osun State Action Congress (AC) candidate in the 2007 gubernatorial election, Rauf Aregbesola.
Buhari said credible election was the key to the nation’s development and stressed that Nigerians must rise up to the challenge of June 12 and ensure they protect their votes in the 2011 elections and thereafter.
“It is up to Nigerians to insist that their votes must count and that free, fair and credible election is assured. I must say that credible elections are in the hands of Nigerians to decide, they must resist anything contrary. June 12 has been institutionalized because of the clear injustice that was done to democracy.
“The system would have been stabilized and we would have been better for it. We will continue to press for credible election and we will not rest until it is achieved. Unless we are serious with our democracy, we will be wasting our time. The time has come for us to put in power people we have confidence in, people we believe that can deliver”, he stressed.
Tinubu, among other points, emphasized the urgent need for a new voter’s register, arguing that the present voters register would not guarantee credible and fair election.
“It is the duty of all Nigerians to ensure that our votes must count. Nigeria is back again in political frenzy as we get nearer to the critical year of 2011. June 12 is a date for ever’, he remarked.
http://igchuka.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-12.html
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