JUNE 12 symbolises free and fair election, continuity of Moshood Abiola’s name, farewell to poverty and a political order that does not tilt towards ethnic or religious sentiment,” Dr. Adeolu Olusodo has said.
He was the guest lecturer at the June 12 celebration, organised by Lagos Mainland Local Government (LG) and Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Yaba LCDA, Lagos.
The event also featured the launch of two books by Hon. Olawale Oshun, titled: “Clapping With One Hand” and “Crisis of a State Nation”.
Dr. Olusodo said political positions should be based on who can do the job well and not on religious or ethnic basis.
“Let us not use religion to pick political candidates; let it be based on who deserves the position and has the ability to do the job, just as it was in the days of Abiola,” he said.
He urged political leaders to be givers.
“Before you seek political positions, first learn to be givers. For June 12 to be fully actualized, no Nigerian must be without food, clothing and shelter. As long as there is still a poor Nigerian, the struggle for June 12 continues. We must struggle until we achieve the Nigeria of our dream.”
He also called for a two party system at the national level, noting that Nigeria needs to remodify the open ballot system
“June 12 has significance in nation-building. If we truly want progress in this country, our system of multi-party political system cannot work. We should go back to two political party system at the national level (President, Senate and House of Representatives). We can have the multiparty system at the state level (governor, house of assembly, chairman and councillors).
“When we have two political parties at the national level, we will be cohesive as a nation and things would be done better; we will not have tribal parties, since we have three main tribes in the country. With a two party system, we will be forced to work together as one,” he said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct primary elections across the country, noting that this would help prevent violence in such elections.
Chairperson, Mainland Local Government, Omolola Essien, said MKO Abiola and June 12 is a struggle for doggedness and perseverance.
“After 25 years, our government at the federal level finally recognised June 12 as a national holiday. This event is to compliment the struggle and the spirit of the struggle left behind by MKO Abiola.”
She thanked the president for his statesmanship.
“I also thank Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his tenacious belief in the struggle and his continuous effort by supporting the movement both at home and abroad. My thanks also goes to Governor Akinwumi Ambode for recognising and carrying the baton of this movement,” she said.
Chairman, Yaba Local Council Development Association (LCDA), Kayode Omiyale, urged Nigerians to cooperate with government.
