2023: ‘True federalism needed to avoid post-election violence’

By Robert Egbe

True federalism, fairness, equity and justice are needed to avoid a repeat of the 1983 and 1993 post-elections violence in the 2023 general election.

This was the stand of participants  at the 27th anniversary of the Epetedo declaration by the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola.

The event’s organiser, Coalition for a Better Nigeria, stated this yesterday in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Awa Bamiji.

The late Chief Abiola, recognised winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, declared himself the president, at Epetedo on Lagos Island, on June 11, 1994, after waiting a year for his mandate to be restored.

His defiance of the military junta which later annulled the poll led to Abiola’s arrest and subsequent death in detention.

The event’s theme was ‘2023 general election: how to avoid a repeat of 1983 and 1993 post-election violence’.

Apart from the June 11 national discourse at Epetedo, there was also a June 12 Eko Youth democracy day symposium held at Eko FM in Ikeja. Both events were hosted by the Lagos State Government.

The second co-chairman at the event, Senator Biyi Durojaiye was represented by a leading figure from the Campaign for Democracy, Pastor Banji Ajayi.

Of the four discussants invited, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi was represented by Comrade Shina Loremikan. Two others, Oba Abiodun Sowunmi and former National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president, Comrade Segun Mayegun, participated in person.

Also in attendance were Alfa Daud, Chief Imam, Iju Ishaga Mosque; victims of the June 12 struggle led by Abiodun Mustapha, a.k.a. June 12; and Akin Orisagbemi, former aide to the late Kudirat Abiola.