The Nation Newspaper

Tag: BUHARI

  • We’ll continue to build on mutually beneficial relationships – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari said on Thursday Nigeria would continue to deepen relationships with her allies, particularly those that share mutually beneficial interests with the country.

    He made the remark while receiving the outgoing Ambassadors of Ethiopia and Republic of Turkey at State House, Abuja.

    The President said the core policies of the administration – securing the country, fighting corruption and reviving the economy – cannot be effectively done without good neighbourliness and deepening of relationship with allies.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said: “Security and economic development are crucial to any country, and that was why I visited our immediate neighbours once I got to office.

    “I visited Chad, Niger, Cameroon, and Benin Republic. You will spend less money on security, and deploy more resources to infrastructural development, when you are in good terms with your neighbours.”

    President Buhari congratulated Ethiopia on the political stability that has been attained in the country after a recent change of government.

    He also offered best wishes to the envoy in her new assignment as head of the country’s electoral body, noting “anything that has to do with election in developing countries is particularly challenging.”

    Amb. Gutu described Nigeria and Ethiopia as “strategic partners” who have deep relationship, adding that her over three-year stay in the country was a period that saw improved bilateral relations between the two countries.

    During the audience with Hakan Cakil of Republic of Turkey, President Buhari congratulated the outgoing Ambassador on the close relationship between the two countries and thanked Turkey for academic scholarships granted scores of young Nigerians in recent times.

     

     

  • Buhari, unexpected hero of June 12

    Nigerians owe President Muhammadu Buhari a debt of gratitude for lifting from all of us the burden of collective guilt. But for his last week’s bold intervention to redress an historic wrong and last Tuesday’s apology to Abiola’s family on behalf of all us, future generations would have been asking what manner of leaders and followers inhabited a geographical space called Nigeria during the Babangida/Abacha, Obasanjo/Jonathan and David Mark/Bukola Saraki years (1985-2018). Theirs were the era when a man had to die for winning an election; when custodians of our national patrimony turned out to be political fraudsters, narcissists, and common thieves and when parasitic lawmakers gave themselves obscene salaries, engaged in padding of budgets which were passed only after receiving bribes in billions. It was also an epoch Nigeria killed her shinning ‘suns’- Dele Giwa, Ken Saro Wiwa and MKO Abiola, among many others.

    It is worth reminding ourselves that MKO Abiola died protecting the mandate given to him by Nigerians in what has been described as the ‘freest and fairest election’ in our nation’s history. General Babangida, the chief villain of June 12 tragedy blamed everyone for the annulment except himself. It was from Professor Omo Omoruyi, his confidant and political adviser, we learnt he claimed to have annulled the historic election to pacify ‘northern leaders including the then Sultan who were opposed to an emergence of a southern leader especially a Yoruba as president of Nigeria’. Omoruyi also quoted Babangida as claiming that General Abacha was the rallying point for anti-Abiola arrogant northern leaders. The executioners, according to him, were from the middle belt region where historically, soldiers of fortune always fought like slaves in the service of their Fulani natural leaders. He was also quoted as naming Brigadiers General Dongo Yaro and David Mark who he said threatened to shoot MKO Abiola if he was proclaimed president by NEC.

    Other villains of June 12 include Arthur Nzeribe and his Association for Better Nigeria, Ernest Shonekan, the head of Babangida’s illegal contraption called Interim National Government and General Obasanjo who after declaring ‘MKO Abiola was not the messiah Nigeria was waiting for’,  went on to  become the military and northern leaders preferred substitute for MKO Abiola. In a display of political perfidy, Obasanjo declared May 29, the day he was sworn in as president as ‘democracy day’ and for eight years, danced on Abiola’s grave without once acknowledging his supreme sacrifice.

    After 25 years of living in denial, I think President Buhari deserves our appreciation for saving the nation from further embarrassment. It does not matter if his action was motivated by political considerations as alleged by the opposition PDP, Professor Ango Abdullahi, the spokesman for Northern Elders Forum and Umar Ardo, Secretary General of Northern Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly (NLSA). Most politicians, the world over, often take advantage of any opportunity that will extend their political influence. In fact most people believe if Buhari has failed as a politician, it was for refusing to have Niccolo Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ which expects every politician that wants to succeed to be cunning, amoral and opportunistic, as his bible.

    Whilst President Buhari’s courageous action at redressing an historic wrong must be applauded by Nigerians, it is however doubtful if Nigerians especially the Yoruba will see it a substitute for resolving the national question through renegotiation of our derailed federal arrangement in line with the dreams of our founding fathers. The first republic collapsed partly because of the lopsidedness of the federal structure which gave the north an advantage of holding on to power as long as they wanted since democracy, for many, is a game of number. The fourth republic is not much different. Today with the north controlling more states and LGAs, any change must be at the behest of the north. The implication of current structure therefore is that the federating states must operate at the pace dictated by the north. Besides just as it was in the first republic when with the control of security apparatus of state, the north was too quick to resort to coercion even when what was needed was dialogue. Nigerians are today not comfortable with the concentration of heads of all security formations in the hands of northerners.

    Some of Buhari’s political foes have also argued his action was designed to sway Yoruba votes in 2019. Such argument forecloses the fact that the Yoruba know what they want out of the federation. The Yoruba have remained consistent in their demand for a return to our pre-independence structure, derailed by Ahmadu Bello and Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa, erstwhile advocates of a federal arrangement who after destroying the AG in 1962 started singing the virtues of a unitary system.

    The outcome of the 1979 election reinforced the Yoruba resolve to be the master of their own destiny. The Unity Party of Nigeria won all the southwest states at the onset of the second republic. The story was the same in 1999 with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) winning all the southwest states. President Obasanjo’s attempt to break this resolve by rigging elections in Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states failed. It is not likely that Buhari’s last week acknowledgement of MKO Abiola’s struggle against military dictatorship and his sacrifice for the enthronement of democracy will suddenly change such deep-rooted resolve.

    Besides, Yoruba who read meanings to everything including greetings are no fools. They clearly understand the annulment of June 12 elections was a continuation of the war by Ahmadu Bello and the northern political elite against them. They can recall how Ahmadu Bello and Prime Minister Balewa turned the West to a killing field in 1965. They remember how Balewa boasted of doing to other recalcitrant regions what they did to the West following the creation of Mid-west in 1963. The Yoruba remember how Obasanjo was imposed by the military and the north on the West and the country. They remember how Obasanjo’s mainstreaming which destroyed past Yoruba visionary leaders’ drive towards a more egalitarian society, was a continuation of 1962 Ahmadu Bello’s failed attempt at mainstreaming – a euphemism for taking over of Yoruba nation.

    They have also not forgotten that but for the British and American wise counselling, Murtala Mohammed was set to bomb and sink Lagos with dynamite in 1966. They have not forgotten Shehu Shagari stopped the construction of the Third Mainland Bridge just as he derailed the metro line by refusing to authorize the disbursement of $70m mobilization Lagos already deposited with CBN even as he was approving foreign loans for NPN and NPP governors (coalition partners). Of course the Yoruba understand the ongoing wars through the introduction of JAMB, the takeover of federal institutions and introduction of quota system of admission, all designed to reduce standard of others instead of funding those who could not meet such standard, are targeted at the Yoruba.

    Even if Buhari has not just made Yoruba proud by upholding justice, all I have highlighted above will not determine his fate among Yoruba voters in 2019 just as they did not in 2015. Our revered father, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who argued otherwise know neither he nor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, his son can decree who Yoruba will vote for in 2019. As Awo the sage himself warned back in the 1940s, the Yoruba will not vote for you because you are Yoruba if your agenda will not impact positively on their lives. Yoruba have been under a siege since Tony Enahoro’s ‘1953 motion for independence in 1956’. In 2019, it is the party that promises to lift that siege through restructuring that will most likely get their support.

  • APC governors visit Buhari

    GOVERNORS under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday night met with President Muhammadu Buhari, where they congratulated him on his decision to recognise June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, who spoke with State House correspondents after the closed doors meeting with the President at the First Lady Conference Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja, said the governors also hailed the President for the conferment of honours to heroes of June 12.

    Okorocha stated that the APC governors lauded the action and foresight of President Buhari for taking steps aimed at uniting Nigerians as well as promoting political stability in the country.

    “We also commended Mr. President on his recent outing, the issue of the June 12 as Democracy Day and the honour done to Bashorun MKO Abiola.

    “We saw this as an opening of a new page in relationship,” he said.

    The governor added that the meeting reviewed activities concerning the APC, including the forthcoming national convention of the party.

    According to him, the APC is more united than ever and ready for any political eventuality.

  • June 12: Buhari did the unthinkable – Gani Adams

    President Muhammadu Buhari did the unthinkable by honouring the martyr of democracy, the late MKO Abiola, with the most prestigious national honour (GCFR), the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Gani Adams, has said.

    Adams made the assertion at the 25th anniversary of June 12. 1993, Presidential Election organised by the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) in Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that OPC organised the event in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council.

    The anniversary had the theme: “Nigerian Politics and Democratic Process: MKO Abiola and the June 12, 1993, Crisis and Beyond”.

    Adams, also OPC National Coordinator, said: “Where we least expected the truth about June 12 to come from, there is where it came.
    “ I salute you all for persevering in the last 25 years.
    “Whether the Federal Government’s decision is more political than legal, as argued by some people, for me, it is crystal clear that the journey to make June 12 our Democracy Day started years back.

    “I feel relieved to witness this day being recognised as our Democracy Day. Today, we have defeated the evil voices that killed the dream of the late MKO Abiola.

    “I will like to express my appreciation to President Buhari for taking the bold initiative of honouring the late Abiola and the late Gani Fewehinmi,’’ he said.

    Adams said that posterity would be kind to Buhari for putting Nigeria’s democratic history in the right perspective.

    According to him, Abiola, as the 14th Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, was committed to the cause of the masses and good governance.
    He expressed delight that the reward for Abiola‘s struggle had come.

    Adams, the 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo, said: “The way we clamoured and struggled to have this day as our Democracy Day, we also need to make the needed sacrifices, struggles and make a case for restructuring. We need to stand firm and raise our voices in support of restructuring.”

    In his remarks, Sen. Shehu Sani, the Chairman of the occasion, said that Buhari wrote his name in gold by honouring Abiola, but advised that the honour should not be politicised.

    “With the annulment of June 12, we (Nigerians) missed an opportunity for unity, progress and prosperity as a nation,” Sani said.

    He said that the greatest honour to Abiola would be upholding democracy ideals, good governance and justice, and ensuring end to poverty, killings and political vendetta.
    Dr Qasim Akinreti, Chairman of NUJ, Lagos Council, said: “Today we salute President Buhari for his courage to allow justice on June 12 to prevail. Hope has finally come for Nigerians. We welcome this.’’

    Akinret noted that many journalists suffered in the June 12 struggle, saying NUJ desired announcement of June 12, 1993 Presidential Election result.

    The guest speaker, Associate Prof. Derin Ologbenla of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos, said that `monetisation’ of political process negatively affected Nigeria’s democracy.
    Ologbenla added that political manipulations through `godfatherism’ adversely affected the democracy.

    “We are subject to godfathers and money in our body politics. We have divisive instruments of ethnicity and religion.

    “Ethnicity is an ugly monster that must be killed if Nigeria’s democracy most grow and develop. We have not come together to bury this monster,’’ the don said.

    Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Coordinator, Women Arise Initiative, said that the best honour to Abiola would be organisation of free and fair elections as well as end to poverty and injustice.

    Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, a former Governor of Abia, said that he sent a bill to the state House of Assembly in 2000 to declare June 12 a public holiday because of his belief in it.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Buhari on June 6 announced that June 12 would replace May 29 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

    The president also announced posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election.
    He also announced award of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger to Abiola’s running mate Babagana Kingibe, and the late social critic and human rights campaigner, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

    The beneficiaries received the awards on Tuesday in Abuja.

  • June 12: APC governors visit Buhari

    Governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday night met with President Muhammadu Buhari where they congratulated him on his decision to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who disclosed this to State House correspondents after the closed doors meeting with President Buhari at the First Lady Conference Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja, said the governors also commended the President for the conferment of honours on heroes of democracy.

    President Buhari had on June 6 declared that June 12 be observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria henceforth and conferred national honours on heroes of democracy.

    The President on Tuesday conferred a posthumous Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour on the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola.

    He also conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) honour on Abiola’s running mate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe.

    The late foremost human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was conferred with a posthumous GCON honour.

    Okorocha said the APC governors lauded the action and foresight of President Buhari for taking steps aimed at uniting Nigerians and promoting political stability in the country.

    NAN

  • Buhari on June 12: sorry

    President honours Abiola, Kingibe, Fawehinmi

    Soyinka advocates ‘hall of shame’

    Tinubu: we’ll back Buhari for second term

    Falana: ensure rights and end killings

    Before a select audience of dignitaries and pro-June 12, 1993 activists, President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday apologised for the annulment of the election, which the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won.

    “On behalf of the Federal Government, I tender the nation’s apology to the family of MKO Abiola, who got the highest votes and to those that lost their loved ones in the course of the June 12 struggle, “the President said at the investiture in Abuja of  Abiola, his running mate Amb. Babagana  Kingibe and the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi with national honours.

    The apology was applauded.

    Buhari said the country would “no longer tolerate such perversion of justice.”  “The decision … is not an attempt to open old wounds but to put right a national wrong. Nigerians, of their own free will, voted for the late Chief MKO Abiola and Amb. Baba Gana Kingibe, the presidential flag bearer and running mate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 1993 elections,” Buhari said, adding:

    “The government of the day inexplicably cancelled the election when it was clear who were going to be the winners.

    “We cannot rewind the past but we can at least assuage our feelings; recognise that a wrong has been committed and resolve to stand firm now and in the future for the sanctity of free elections.”

    Abiola declared himself the president–elect and was arrested by the Gen. Sani Abacha junta. He was held in detention for four years till he died in 1998. He was 60.

    The President conferred the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) posthumously on Abiola, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on Chief Fawehinmi, the activist-lawyer who was one of the vocal voices against the annulment of the election, and decorated Kingibe with GCON.

    Abiola’s award was received by his eldest son, Kola. Fawehinmi was represented by his wife Ganiat.

    The government invited eminent Nigerians who participated in the struggle for the actualisation of the election, many of them hounded into exile or jailed by the military government.

    Buhari added: “This retrospective and posthumous recognition is only a symbolic token of redress and recompense for the grievous injury done to the peace and unity of our country.

    “Our decision to recognise and honour June 12 and its actors is in the national interest. It is aimed at setting national healing process and reconciliation of the 25-year festering wound caused by the annulment of the June 12th elections. I earnestly invite all Nigerians across all our national divide to accept it in good faith.

    “Our action today is to bury the negative side of June 12, the side of ill-feelings, hate, frustrations and agony. What we are doing is celebrating and appreciating the positive side of June 12. The June 12, which restates democracy and freedom.

    “The June 12 that overcome our various divide and the June 12 that produced unity and national cohesion. This is the June 12 we are celebrating today and we will nurture it to our next generation.”

    “I honestly invite all Nigerians across all our national divides to accept it in good faith. Our action today is to bury the negative sides of June 12, the side of ill-feelings, hate, frustration and agony.

    “What we are doing is celebrating and appreciating the positive sides of June 12.

    “The June 12 which reinstates democracy and freedom, the June 12 that overcomes our various divides and the June 12 that produces unity and national cohesion.

    “This is the June 12 we are celebrating today and we will nurture it to our next generation,” he said

    He then asked for a minute silence in honour of Abiola and those who lost their lives in the struggle for the actualisation of June 12.

    Master of Ceremonies Peter Dama announced that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former military leader Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who annulled the election, sent regrets for their inability to attend the ceremony.

    Obasanjo said he was away in Norway for a book presentation. Babangida gave health reasons for his absence. The electoral umpire, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, said he was overseas.

    Tinubu: we’ll back Buhari

    All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu praised Buhari’s courage.

    He said: “Nigeria, it’s fair that we have chosen democracy as the form of government. We are totally committed to democracy. It has been further strengthened today.

    “The love of our nation, to search previous regimes and correct the errors of the past … shows you are a great leader. We thank you.”

    He thanked former Senate President Iyorchia Ayu, Senator Abu Ibrahim and others for the roles they played in 1993 and thereafter.

    To President Buhari, Tinubu said: “We formed a partnership of very strong democratic principles and you are living up to it. You made a promise that you will be committed to transparency and rule of law… you have done it”.

    The former Lagos State governor spoke of an ex-president, who “because of the mention of June 12 threatened to throw me out of the helicopter”. But you’ve remained resolute to put Nigeria back on self-discovery, great determination and fidelity with democratic principles. Thank you Mr. President. Thank you for bringing back hope to Nigeria.

    “Farewell to poverty. It is the struggle of Africa to banish poverty and you are investing in education, which is a great weapon against poverty. You are feeding our children; we are no longer paying for darkness …, thank you Mr. President.

    On Buhari’s second term bid, Tinubu said: “It is not a question of second term, you deserve it. We are going to work for it.  No annulment on it, you are going to win it.”

    Create ‘hall of shame’

    Nobel winner Prof. Wole Soyinka said the Presidential apology at the event was a dimension which he did not expect.

    He said: “And l had a lot to say, but fortunately the words have been taken off my mouth. However, l will like to make a request. Mr. president since we are honoring heroes of democracy today, I’ll like to request that you manage to stop creating confusion in the minds of Nigerians.

    “It is not possible to honour MKO Abiola in one breath and admire his tormentor in another breath. Loyalty is all very well but loyalty can become perverse if that loyalty is retained to an individual who if he were alive today would be before the International Court for crimes against humanity.

    “The one who broke the laws of Nigeria, international laws, pauperised this nation. It is confusing if professional loyalty is carried so far as to be accorded such an individual.

    “We had a private conversation some time ago and l remember one of the things which l mentioned to you was this …l said you are fighting corruption.. how come that a notorious dictator, corrupt ruler, is honored by one of the most important avenues in the capital of Abuja, whereas, individuals like the martyrs of the struggle, philanthropists have not been honored? The answer you gave to me was not too satisfactory. But I let it pass.”

    Mr. Kola Abiola said: “Mr. President, on behalf of the MKO Abiola family, we  accept both the award and the apology. We will like to thank you for the great honour you have done our family.

    “We thank you for taking the decisive measures to strengthen our democracy and guarantee our future by reconciling our past. Thank you very much sir. Generations to come will honour you for this.

    “May the souls of our dearly departed rest in peace. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    Abiola our hero

    His sister Hafsat Abiola-Costello, who responded on behalf of the family, said: “It is difficult to try to stand in the shoes of a giant of one of the greatest humans that the world ever had but that is … why we are here today. And indeed, even for MKO Abiola it was difficult for him to imagine how he would speak to Nigerians in inauguration.

    “My mum told me how he would stand in the mirror when he was preparing his speech because the results were coming in; he thought he was going to deliver it. And you know he use to stammer, so he will start… “dear fellow Nigerians” but he never really got past fellow Nigerians.

    “He would say a few words, he would say; ‘not like that’ and then start again and he kept struggling to say what he would say to Nigerians. Because what MKO wanted to say to the Nigerian people and all that MKO did say to the people of Nigeria is to say, I love you the people of Nigeria, I believe in you the people of Nigeria.

    “He was born Yoruba but he loved Hausa people, Kanuri, Efik, Igbo people; he loved all. You just needed to be a Nigerian and MKO was your man. If he could help he would do.

    “There are so many things he already did to show and that was why the people of Nigeria rewarded him with the mandate of June 12, 1993. But we know that he was never able to deliver that speech, but in many ways, the event that transpired later revealed to Nigerians the eloquence in his heart, the fidelity of his commitment and even his own deep abiding wish that if there was anyway his own actions would in anyway compromise the people of Nigeria, MKO preferred to die, he preferred to leave the earth rather than compromise on you, on your integrity as a people and your sovereignty as a nation.

    “Which was why even the day before he died when he was still being pressured, he asked the question, ‘how do you shave the people’s heads in their absence?’. He knew he was present in the room he was pressured but he knew that so long as he refused to allow his own head to be shaved it was a symbolic message to you the people of Nigeria that you will be saved.

    “And when he died, we accepted his body and have watched in Nigeria as year after year till now the 25th year, you the people have suffered and he was not recognised at all.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari, Nelson Mandela it was who said, “It always seems impossible until it is done”.

    “Who would have ever believed, given the relationship that you had with Chief MKO Abiola, that you would be the instrument God will use to honour this man and to bring recognition and healing to the country.

    “You apologised to my family and it touched my heart. You know that I also lost my mother in this struggle, so that apology meant so much. Let me use this opportunity, on behalf of the Chief MKO Abiola because I know what he would have done; I use this opportunity to apologise to you, to apologise to your family, anything that he might have done to harm you and to harm your family.

    “Let me also say at this juncture that Chief MKO Abiola was so committed to us saying farewell to poverty in Nigeria and today we have more people in poverty in Nigeria than we had in 1993.

    “I read the statement that you made where you said we should prepare now to wage a battle for the defence of the people of Nigeria against those who think of themselves as the landlords of Nigeria. Let me say to you that by recognising June 12, you have awaken so many heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s struggle who have shown, because they stood firm on June 12, that money cannot buy them.

    “If there is any match that we need to match, if there is any protest that we need to be present to protest, you have called up your new own Army for the defence of this country. And President Muhammadu Buhari, this fight will not take you, God willing as it has taken MKO but let us fight and bring about the conclusion of MKO’s struggle that the Nigerian people should be the ones in full control of this country. It is not for a few landlords, whoever they may be; it is for the 200 million people of Nigeria.”

    MKO, the Messiah

    Kingibe praised the President for the courage in recognising June 12. He said: “The decision came to you naturally because you are a principled politician who refuses to be swayed by the expediency of the moment.”

    “Indeed, MKO was the messiah Nigerians never had the opportunity to feel his liberating impact. The annulment of June 12 election had the tragic consequence of dissolving that unity we as a people exhibited on that historic date and turning us into a divided people who began to see one another as enemies.

    “We must be thankful that we eventually survived the prolonged crisis, even with all the collateral damage to our body politic. Today, President Buhari has called upon us to inter the ghost of the acrimony surrounding June 12 and celebrate the principles and the joys it brought.”

    At the event were Vice President Yemi Osinbajo Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo)  and Simon Lalong (Plateau).  Chief Bisi Akande, former Interim APC Chairman and APC National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, among other, were there.

     

  • Buhari has written his name in gold, says Ambode

    LAGOS State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has described the recognition of June 12 as the authentic ‘Democracy Day’ as a victory for democracy.

    Speaking at a symposium in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 election, he said with this declaration, President Muhammadu Buhari has written his name in gold in the democratic history of Nigeria.

    He said: “It was a day that Nigerians put aside their ethnic and religious biases and spoke with one voice. But sadly the mandate that was given to Abiola on that day by Nigerians was thwarted by the military.”

    The symposium, which took place under the theme, “Restructuring: An Antidote for Effective and Efficient Polity”, was organised by the Office of Civic Engagement of the Lagos State Government in conjunction with the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations.

    It was put together to honour the widely acknowledged winner of the election, the late M.K.O. Abiola and his contribution to the country’s democratic dispensation.

    The Lagos State governor also paid glowing tributes to other heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle, including Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ambassador Walter Carrington, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya, Chief Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Mr. Wale Oshun, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and other activists who participated actively in the struggle for the restoration of the mandate.

    He added: “We also pay glowing tribute to the beautiful memories of patriots such as Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Michael Enahoro, Chief Alfred Rewane, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, General Adeyinka Adebayo and several others, including innocent ordinary Nigerians, young and old who were murdered in cold blood on the streets of Lagos and in other major cities of Nigeria. Today, we declare that their sacrifice has not been in vain,” he said.

    Ambode also commended Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who governed the state between 1999 and 2007, for being the pioneer governor to declare public holiday on June 12 throughout his tenure in office, as well as his predecessor in office, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), for his steadfastness in upholding the tradition.

    He said the occasion attests to their visionary leadership.

    He said Nigeria cannot do without restructuring, because fiscal federalism is the only way to achieve true federalism. Alluding to the late Abiola’s campaign slogan, ‘Hope ‘93’, the governor said hope is now renewed for Nigerians.

    Speaking on the theme of the symposium, the guest lecturer, Dr. Dele Ashiru of the Department of Political Science, University of Lagos (UNILAG), called for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to ensure removal of provisions which inhibit successful running of functional system, especially revenue sharing formula which he said must be by derivation, among others.

    Ashiru said Nigeria is at a crossroads at the moment and that the country must face the challenges squarely or it will pay dearly for it later.

    The guest lecturer said June 12 exposed the structural deficiencies the British colonial masters bequeathed to Nigeria, following the 1914 amalgamation of the Southern and the Northern Protectorates of Nigeria. He said: “A situation where one person sits in Abuja to share the money that accrues to the various arms of government is an anathema to federalism.”

    He blamed the structural deficiencies for most of Nigeria’s current woes, including agitation by minorities, poverty, corruption, armed robbery, kidnappings and the lack of unity among the various nationalities that make up the country.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Aregbesola to Buhari: de-annul June 12 presidential election

    •Governor seeks Abiola’s declaration as winner

    OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to de-annul the June 12, 1993 presidential election and declare Bashorun MKO Abiola as president in order to properly address the injustice done to Nigerians 25 years ago.
    He said June 12 is significant in Nigeria’s political history as the day true democracy was born.
    The governor noted that his administration has taken June 12 seriously by acknowledging it as ‘Democracy Day’ for the past eight years and also observe the day as public holiday in Osun State.
    Aregbesola, who spoke at Osun June 12 Democracy Day celebration in Osogbo, tagged: “June 12 Silver Jubilee : The essence of peaceful co-existence in the period of transitional democracy”, stated that it was commendable that President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has recognised June 12 as ‘Democracy Day’.
    “We view what he has done as a very good first step in a new beginning which has to be built upon.
    “To properly address the injustice of June 12, we demand that the election result be fully declared and Basorun Abiola declared president posthumous.
    “He should be recognised as a past Nigerian president and accorded the honour and full privileges attached to that position.
    “The greatest honour President Buhari would do to the memory of Basorun Abiola is to ensure that the incident of democratic abortion like the annulment of June 12 election never happen again in Nigeria.
    “This will be done through the development of our constitution to deepen federalism, strict observance of the rule of law and strengthening of democratic institutions”.
    He also lauded Buhari for honouring Basorun Abiola, his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe and foremost human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
    Aregbesola stressed that June 12 has been described as a watershed in Nigeria’s political trajectory.
    He said Nigeria had been under military rule since the January 15, 1966 military coup with a short break of civilian rule between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983.
    Guest lecturer at the event and foremost human rights activist, Mr. Femi Falana hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring Abiola.
    Falana, whose paper was presented by Comrade Sina Odugbemi, said the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day would put an end to political hypocrisy, which Nigeria and Nigerians have suffered from poor leadership.
    The human rights activist faulted the litigation threat for honouring Abiola and Fawehinmi posthumously, saying such litigation will not be supported by law as no section of the constitution is against the president’s action.
    Falana argued that the National Honour Acts empowered the President to honour any Nigerian deserving of national honour for his or her contributions to national growth and development, thus vindicating Buhari for the decision to honour Abiola and Fawehinmi posthumously.
    The human rights activist called on Nigerians to see the declaration and commemoration of June 12 as National Democracy day as a sober reflection to strengthen the existing unity for national growth and development.

  • Buhari honours Ayu, Ebute, Anakwe

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the conferment of National Honours on three distinguished Nigerians who contributed immensely to the enthronement of democratic governance in the country.

    They are Chief Agunwa Anekwe, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and two former presidents of the Senate Iyorchia Ayu and Ameh Ebute.

    All the three were leaders of the National Assembly in the Third Republic

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha  announced this at the conferment of posthumous national honour on Chief M.K.O. Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, as well as on Amb. Babagana Kingibe.

    He said the investiture would take place at a later date.

    ”These awards serve as a public acknowledgement of their pivotal contribution to nationhood and a further demonstration of this administration’s commitment to upholding the ethos of democratic governance,” the SGF said.

    He stressed that the proclamation of June 12 as Democracy Day was a public recognition of the country’s heroes whose “supreme efforts laid the foundation for our nascent democracy. ”

    ”Today marks a new dawn in the nation’s political and democratic advancement signalling the deepening of our belief in the democratic principles of inclusiveness in governance and hope for a greater Nigeria.

    ”The monumental election that took place on June 12, 1993, represented the first time in the history of our nation that Nigerians voted not for tribe or creed or region but for their convictions, affirming their common heritage and unity of purpose,” he said.

    Boss added: ”June 12, more than any other day, symbolized the varied struggles and sacrifices made by fellow citizens of this great nation, established democracy as our political system of governance, and opened a new chapter in the political history.

    ”It is in commemoration of this day, the spirit of which should be internalized in the consciousness of Nigerians of all ages and taught to our children and generations of Nigerians yet unborn, that this administration has, in placing history in the right perspective, declared June 12 of every year as Democracy Day and as a national holiday”.

  • Buhari, APC governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday night met behind closed doors with All Progressives Congress (APC)  governors.
    The meeting started around 9.10 p.m at the First Lady conference hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    Those that attended the meeting included Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
    Governors at the meeting included Jigawa State Governor, Badaru Abubakar, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Masari.
    Others are Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, Adamawa State Governor, Jubril Bindow, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha.
    Also at the meeting are Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, Kebbi State Governor, Bagudu Atiku, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Gamduje and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, and Deputy Governor of Lagos, Idiat Adebule.
    Details Later…