GRPolitics
Group accuses Obiano, Umahi, Okorocha, others of working against Igbo interests ahead of 2019 polls
By: Ikenna Oluka
Three Igbo governors have topped the list of those from the region allegedly working against the interest of the region ahead of Nigeria’s 2019 general elections. They are Governors Willie Obiano of Anambra, Dave Umahi of Ebonyi and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.
The trio were so identified by the Southeast Based Coalition of Human Rights & Democracy Organizations (SBCHROs) – a coalition of 22 human rights & democracy organizations – in a Special Joint Statement released on Sunday in Onitsha.
Under the section entitled “Condemning Oligarchic Slavery Roles Of Govs Obiano & Umahi Of Anambra & Ebonyi,” SBCHROs said:
“Specifically condemned are the oligarchic slavery roles of Govs William Obiano of Anambra and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi States who have abandoned their People and chosen to become more oligarchic puppets than Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. In the case of Gov Obiano, he has chronically abandoned governance of the State which he was elected in 2013 and 2017 to do. Anambra State under him is in quandary and he has sadly transformed himself into “Emperor or Kingly Governor”; governing the State outside the confines of collectivism or welfarism and only according to his whims and caprices. The Road network in Anambra State has collapsed; likewise drainages and waterways which have blocked and become a serious threat in the incoming rainy season. Several failed State roads are begging for rehabilitation or Government attention, all to no avail. The massive road construction and reconstruction with which the state was known for as at the last quarter of 2014, has become a thing of the past in the state.
“The State has also become a safe haven for all kinds of touts, street urchins and criminals; to the extent that women petty traders and widows can no longer move a kilometer with their food stuff or kitchen utensils particularly in Onitsha, Nnewi and their adjoining cities without threats of being lynched or beaten to a pulp unless each of them coughs out thousands of naira for a food stuff bag of not more than N5,000; members of the trading population are not spared, too, yet the Governor is busy running from pillar to pole forcing a presidential bad market on Anambra People in particular and People of the Igbo Nation in general.”
Below are other parts of the special statement entitled “Exposing & Taming The Roles Of Retrogressive Forces In Eastern Nigeria Ahead Of 2019 Gen Polls”:
“Though we, the Southeast Based Coalition Of Human Rights & Democracy Organizations (a coalition of 22 human rights & democracy organizations) are deeply shocked and dismayed over the roles of retrogressive and destructive forces in the Mainland and outpost Igbo parts of Eastern Nigeria, but such retrogressive and destructive roles are not unexpected or seen as a surprise or unheard of. These retrogressive and destructive roles are in connection with the fate and future of the Igbo Nation ahead of the 2019 General Elections in Nigeria particularly the Presidential Poll.
“Rather, such retrogressive and destructive roles should serve as a big and unforgettable lesson to the entire Igbo People of Nigeria including not keeping a short memory or being flimsily dismissive of the retrogressive and destructive roles and their players. Names of such retrogressive and destructive forces and roles played shall be profiled and documented across board and kept for the day of reckoning; whether political, economic, cultural, and social or camouflaged self determination agitations.
“Smiling To Bank On The Blood Of Massacred Igbo Sons & Daughters
“For too long, the age long ordeals suffered or passed through by the Igbo People of Nigeria, represented in the context of structural, physical and cultural violence perpetrated and perpetuated at state actor and non state actor levels in the country or any part thereof; have been used by generations of retrogressive and destructive forces to earn undeserved social or societal positions and crookedly enriched their pockets and themselves. On the blood and tribulations of their own people and ethnic nationality, these retrogressive and destructive forces have stood and earned their cursed living including criminal and vicious castles, mansions, marriages, exotic cars, etc.
“Pretended as “freedom fighters” or “independent statehood activists” or “human rights defenders” or “democracy promoters” or “people’s governors” or “people’s legislators” or “Igbo leaders” or “Igbo born security chiefs” or “leaders of Igbo socio-political or think tank organizations”, etc; these retrogressive and destructive forces or “profiteers of miseries of the Igbo People and their Nation” have done more harm to the Igbo sub Race and their emancipation struggles than “outside” enemies of the Igbo People and their Nation.
“Hiding under collective sentiments or social emancipations such as “Igbo or Biafra rebirth” or “defense of Igbo rights” or “social, economic, cultural and political emancipation, development and ethnic identity of the Igbo People and their Nation”; these retrogressive and destructive forces have, once their pretended agitations gained collective currency and legitimacy, relapsed and shown their true color-swindling, criminal enrichment, backbiting, sabotage, betrayal and abandonment of the cause they pretended to be fighting for people of their own ethnic nationality.
“We have seen these severally or on several occasions in the pro Biafra movements, legislative chambers, gubernatorial corridors, socio-cultural movements, intelligentsia groups, “Igbo” political parties, “human rights” campaigns, church activities, geopolitical allotment of offices and resources including Federal and State constituency projects, to mention but few.
“These retrogressive and destructive forces are so mean, heartless, wicked, shameless and conscienceless that whenever reports or findings are made cataloguing and exposing the killing and maiming of their defenseless brothers and sisters by perpetrators of State terror and other violent non state actors, they rush for copies of such reports and use them to swindle the named or suspected perpetrators particularly the public office holders or crookedly rich ex public office holders.
“These they do in the form of “image laundering” for a fee including writing and submission of frivolous petitions against the researchers of the reports, organizing rented crowd as protesters and media conferences or holding “human rights award” sessions for the perpetrators named or listed, etc. In other words, whenever such atrocity crimes reports are released, they instantly become “bloody diamond or gold” for the retrogressive and destructive forces; making them to smile to their banks on the altar of the blood of their murdered brothers and sisters.
“These despicable acts are also very common among the so called “freedom fighters” or “secessionist activists” and “intelligentsia groups”. Among the latter are “doctors” or adulterators of such reports and those who use them to earn masters’ and doctorate degrees or professorial titles only; instead of fundamentally using them and their prime positions to seek and get justice for their murdered brothers and sisters as well as ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book or made to kiss the iron bars of prisons.
“Red Capping Dei Dei Or Alaba Market Garage Touts For Aso Rock Trips
“According to Nze Na Ozo Emeka Umeagbalasi (Intersociety Boss), “it is also common among these retrogressive and destructive forces to organize groups and trips to Aso Rock on “image laundering-for-money visits” with newly bought red caps from Alaba or Dei Dei Market, etc. In Igbo Land, the original traditional title holders especially members of the Nze Na Ozo noble class are marked out by their worn out or old red caps signifying decades of initiation or holding of such titles. Those whose red caps wear new looks are classified as newly initiated or new entrants into the noble Ozo title. Others wearing new or fresh red caps are described as “Okoros in red caps” or “urban red cap chiefs” including urban chief thugs and those in touting occupation.
“ “In other words, they are “Nze n’ agus” or commoners who perch red caps on their hairs (not heads) without authorization or passing through rigorous initiation rites and processes in their rural communities. Ozo titles are not taken in urban areas except among the aborigines of the cities (i.e. people of Onicha Mmili or Onitsha). Real red cap chiefs rarely wear their caps in urban cities to avoid contamination. These “Okoros-in-red-caps” include the rented groups of outpost markets’ garage touts or clothed street urchins with no lineage of Nze Na Ozo titles in their generational lineages.
“Among them must have been those who went to Aso Rock on 8th February 2019 or those that had gone to same in the recent past under such circumstantially and heavily induced circumstances. It is therefore likely a fact to say that those that trouped to Aso Rock on the said date are nothing short of “Alaba or Dei Dei Market garage touts”, red capped with newly arrived China bound red caps and ferried to Aso Rock on “political image laundering for fat pocket” trip.
“Other Characteristics Of Retrogressive Forces In Igbo Eastern Nigeria
“Retrogressive and destructive forces in Igbo Nation are also marked out as follows: (1) they are viruses finding their ways as “founders” or “key members” into various Igbo emancipation bodies such as those named above as well as human rights and democracy bodies, (2) they are talk show “experts” in various gatherings and forums including long grammar speakers, (3) they are wolves in sheep clothing and always harbor dubious intents but pretend as “social crusaders”.
“Others are: (4) they are serial saboteurs and betrayers and when trusted and taken brotherly to the bush for hunting, they turn round and shoot their fellow brothers as “wild animals”; (5) when elected or appointed to govern or administer, they end up as “monumental failures or failed statesmen or public office holders” and (6) they are collective security threats and more dangerous than outside enemies; and can sell their kinsmen and women as well as their Ethnic Nationality for a cursed fee or criminal enrichment.
“Condemning FG/APC’s Vote PMB Or Your Ethnic Persecution/Collective Violence Threats
“The Coalition is therefore shocked and dismayed with total condemnation the litany of threats and various forms of corruptive measures adopted by the Presidency and its ruling Party to force the Igbo Nation to slavishly vote for same in the next Saturday’s Presidential Poll. It saddens our heart that a Government that has made the loudest noise of “fighting corruption” could engage in brazen recruitment and reported or circumstantial inducement of the retrogressive and destructive forces among Igbo population to divide the People of Igbo Nation and force them into voting APC and its Presidential Candidate outside their will and collective resolve.
“The Federal Government is so recklessly determined that it is bent on getting the Igbo Nation at all costs to slavishly vote for it. Despite organizing or superintending series of butcheries, military sieges, economic destructions, collective security threats and communal invasions, political segregations and exclusions, recruitment of puppets and other forms of structural, physical and cultural violence as catalogued in Intersociety’s special report (under Buhari & Osinbajo: many have gone & crippled for life in Eastern Nigeria); the Buhari Administration has remained unyielding, remorseless and unrepentant with audacity and alacrity; to the extent that more threats are being let loose or unleashed, reminding the Igbo Nation what would happen to them “if Buhari does not win in the Southeast”. This is nothing short of pushing a people to the wall, which could have calamitous consequences in short or long run.
“Where Is The APGA Presidential Candidate Allegedly Lavished With Over N600m Anambra Money?
“The Coalition was authoritatively informed late last year that the Government of Anambra State “facilitated a whopping cash of N500m and nine vehicles including brown new campaign buses and SUVs” to the “Presidential Candidate of APGA”. The APGA Presidential Candidate was said to have received same the day of the Party’s flag off. The Government of Anambra State was asked to credibly confirm or deny or throw more light into same vide the Coalition’s open letter dated 16th December 2018, till date, no official response has come from the Obiano’s Government of Anambra State.
“See the Coalition’s open letter here: https://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/273712/appointment-of-next-igbo-igp-and-public-declaration-on-the-p.html
“The said cash of N500m when added to monetary value of the said nine vehicles clearly indicates that Anambra State must have lost not less than N600m to N700m to such political gambling. Yet, the Gov and his aides are ceaselessly running riot on web, electronic and print media campaigning for PMB and abandoning their own “Presidential Candidate”; all at the expense of Anambra State and the entire People of Igbo Nation.
“Taming The Retrogressive Forces & Their Puppetry Masters
“It is therefore clear and shocking that Governors Obiano of Anambra State and Umahi of Ebonyi State and the central Government of Muhammadu Buhari and Yemi Osinbajo know nothing about the principles of democracy and universal adult suffrage. They must be tutored here and now that voting is a conscientious and moral obligation of every eligible citizen or group of voting population. It is beyond the powers and authority of any Government including the present Governments of Anambra and Ebonyi States and the Buhari/Osinbajo central Administration to force people especially the Igbo Ethnic Nationality to cast their votes for a particular Government or political party. Under the 1999 Constitution, too, civil and political rights including political participation, voting and representation are inviolably fundamental and justiciable.
“No amount of desperation or threats of structural violence or ethnic cleansing can change same or force the Igbo People to do otherwise. Also Political office tenure in Nigeria is not permanent. The Buhari Administration will one day be a bygone and all its vicarious and direct misdeeds including series of butcheries, military sieges, economic destructions, collective security threats and communal invasions, political segregations and exclusions, recruitment of puppets and other forms of structural, physical and cultural violence severally and serially organized against the Igbo Nation would be revisited, likewise the retrogressive and destructive forces recruited or used to perpetrate and perpetuate same.
“The central Government of Nigeria had existed since almost four years and fully piloted and executed the policy of structural, cultural and physical violence against the Igbo Nation including ostracizing the sub Race from the country’s top security establishments and other important projects such as national railway and seaport projects and befitting international airport. If by bare faced or scientific rigging, widely expected to play out next week Saturday, 16th February 2019, the present central Government finds its way back to power and decides to continue the orchestrated persecution against the Igbo Nation and her People, let it be strongly noted here again that the sub Race shall endure and survive same waiting for the day of reckoning which must surely come either in togetherness or in apart.
“Other ways of taming the retrogressive and destructive forces and their nuisances in Igbo Eastern Nigeria are by henceforth treating or regarding their comments and activities as trash. Further efforts shall be made to isolate and exclude them from forums where critical issues and decisions regarding the Igbo Nation, their interests, welfare and future are discussed or taken.
“Condemning Retrogressive Attacks On Mainstream Igbo Groups Over Their Presidential Poll Stance
“The Coalition hereby condemns in strongest term sustained attempts by the Presidency through corruptive means and threats to create divisions in several mainstream Igbo organizations including the OHANAEZE Ndigbo and others that recently reviewed the ongoing political trends in the country and resolved to pitch tent with a political and its presidential candidate. Such adoptive positions taken by leading socio-cultural groupings across Nigeria including OHANAEZE Ndigbo are commendable, well informed and thoughtful. This is more so when they are coherent with political realities on the ground and the Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution as well as Nigeria’s ratified and domesticated treaty laws. The attacks and other forms of campaign of calumny against the John Nnia Nwodo led OHANAEZE Ndigbo; strictly in the instant case, are hereby condemned.
“Finally, we call on those who are bent on not being part of the adoptive position of the mainstream Igbo People and organizations including Govs William Obiano of Anambra State and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State to pursue their selfish political interests on their own and leave the Igbo Nation, her People and their collective interests and welfare out of same. Henceforth, there must be clear cut separation between pursuit of personal political interests and critical issues affecting the Igbo Nation. Hiding under the “interests and welfare of Igbo Nation” to swindle, misinform and mislead the Ethnic Nationality must no longer be tolerated.
“However, the Coalition recognizes the rights of Buharists in Igbo Land to dine and wine and even swim with the concept of Buharism, symbolized by their presidential bad market in Igbo Nation; provided they are done leaving the entire Igbo Nation and their collective interests and welfare out of it. Issues of Second Niger Bridge project and an additional State proposal clearly go beyond the powers and authority of Gov Obiano of Anambra State. In his capacity as Anambra Gov, he is an interloper in the subject matter. This is more so when he is neither the Chairman of the Southeast Governors Forum nor the elected or anointed spiritual leader of the Igbo Nation. Gov Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State who is the Chair of Southeast Govs Forum has, on his own part, lost legitimacy and moral authority to lead or speak for Igbo People.”
When the President called to inform me of his decision to magnanimously confer on me the the National Award of Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR, on account of my much advertised role in the struggle for the validation of the June 12th election and affirmation of Chief MKO Abiola’s mandate, my first reaction was why only me and not all those unsung heroes.
Those officers and men who actively participated in that struggle, risking their careers and even lives.
Although I was one of the leaders of that movement within the military, my contribution was by no means bigger than theirs.
While I have been recognised and celebrated, including this National Honour by the President, they have remained anonymous.
It is therefore incumbent upon me to reveal the identity of these patriots if only to acknowledge and commend their contributions to the emergence of the current democratic dispensation.
The fact that Chief Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12th election won over 80% of the Armed Forces votes, clearly demonstrated the contribution of the other members of the military. I should add that this list is by no means exhaustive.
There are a lot more participants who have remained unknown to me since they served under others.
I apologise to all those whose names I must have missed. May God recognise and reward your sacrifice.
Top on my list is my deputy at the Armoured Corps Centre and School, Col MA Garba, whose commitment was so strong that he continued with the execution of our plans after some of us were arrested, detained and mercifully retired in October, 1993. He went on, as he should, to attain the enviable rank of a Major General in the army. Others are:
Others are:
-Lt col Lawal Jaafaru Isa.
-Lt col UF Ahmed.
-Lt col MS Dasuki.
-Lt col ML Gwadabe.
-Lt col J. Temlong.
-Lt col Musa Shehu.
-Lt col Chris Eze.
-Lt col HM Dzarma.
-Lt col Isa Jibrin.
-Lt col JOS Oshanupin.
-Lt Col A Oloruntoba(kabiesi Olugbede of Gbede kingdom).
-Lt col Moke.
-Lt col Happy Bulus.
-Lt col Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
-Col J Okai.
-Col E. Ndubueze.
-Lt col Yakubu Muazu.
-Lt col Yahaya Abubakar ( current Etsu Nupe).
-Major Saad Abubakar (current Sultan of Sokoto).
-Maj Abba Maimalari.
-Maj Jamil Tahir.
-Maj Buzugbe.
-Maj LP Aprezi.
-Maj MK Yake.
-Maj J Dawah.
-Maj Suleiman Wali.
-Maj Dauda Komo.
-Maj Lucky Torrie.
-Maj JS Zaruwa.
-Maj M Sumaye.
-Maj Sani Bawa.
-Maj Ndaliman.
Maj Ahmed.
-Maj M Bawa.
-Lt col JB Ahmadu.
-Capt Junaid Bindawa.
-Capt Lar.
I therefore accept this award with all sense of humility on behalf of all these officers and men. Obviously, it goes without saying that this award will be doubly more meaningful if the democracy we all fought for delivers the real dividends.
This can happen only if leaders at all levels govern with the fear of God and in accordance with the tenets of democracy.
It remains the hope and prayers of all patriots that nothing is done to derail this infant democracy.
To achieve the stability and progress of our democracy, leaders must prioritise good governance over politicking for self aggrandizement.
The three co-equal branches of government must operate independently while cooperating with each other.
One enduring lesson from the conduct of the officers and men is their decision to operate above sycophancy but to hold their superior officers to account.
Sadly, this does not appear to have a positive impact on our political leaders. Sycophancy everywhere has become the scourge of selfless and accountable leadership. It is the reason for the arrogance and vanity we see in our leaders at all levels. Men of straw are widely and falsely being elevated to the position of icons by self seeking sycophants.
Mr President must lead in a war against sycophancy in all its forms. This must allow for no exceptions including the rapidly growing trend of naming and renaming public institutions, facilities and other infrastructure after a President or State Governor while in office.
The other day, the Senate President was reported to have predicted that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 election with 99.9% of the votes! Even allowing for the fact that this Senate President is widely known for his humorous incitement, Mr President will do well to shun such oracles.
God bless Nigeria.
Abubakar Dangiwa Umar, Colonel (Rtd)
The Kogi State Government has commended Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, for his unbending commitment to the security and wellbeing of his home state, describing him as “a patriotic Kogite who leads by example.”
Faleke, an indigene of Kogi State, recently donated a brand-new Hilux patrol vehicle to support the operations of the newly commissioned Smart Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area.
The high-tech facility which was facilitated by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in its collaboration with the Government of Kogi State to ensure security at every corner of the state by modernizing and digitizing security operations in the state.
Speaking with journalists on Sunday, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, conveyed the appreciation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the federal lawmaker, stating that Hon. Faleke has demonstrated what it means to place security above politics and people’s well-being above personal ambition.
“The Government of Kogi State wishes to reecho the open commendation earlier given by His Excellency during the commissioning of the Smart Police Divisional Headquarters,” Fanwo said.
“As a Government, we appreciate the demonstrative contribution of Hon. James Faleke to the security architecture and infrastructure of the state. This is how to lead the people with emphasis on security above politics, patriotism above scheming with the lives of our people.”
Fanwo added that Hon. Faleke has played key underground roles in support of intelligence, logistics, and coordination with security agencies, working quietly but effectively with the State Government to ensure lives and property are better protected in Kogi State.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that Faleke’s latest intervention would significantly strengthen security not only in Ijumu but across Okunland, Kogi West, and the entire state.
“This is one intervention that we are sure will improve the security of Ijumu, Okunland, Kogi West, and Kogi as a whole. This is how to make an impact without playing to the gallery. What the people need are concrete interventions that can save lives, not selfish arrangements that protect personal interests at the expense of the people.
“The people know those who are genuinely working for their security, those working closely with the State Government to achieve lasting peace in Kogi State. They also know those who are merely playing politics with the lives of the people.”
The Government urged political and business leaders of Kogi origin to emulate Hon. Faleke’s sense of responsibility and selfless service to the people.
“Hon. James Faleke has set an example for others to emulate. He has shown that the lives of his people matter. He is not doing all of these to protect a personal interest or his investment or the investment of his friends. He is doing it to protect the Kogi people, his people”, he said.
Fanwo also disclosed that the Government is closely monitoring the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators, vowing that those compromising the security of the state through economic sabotage will face stiff consequences.
“We are aware of the activities of illegal miners and their enablers. Let it be known that the state will not tolerate any action that puts the lives of our people at risk. We are taking bold steps to ensure that criminal actors do not jeopardize the peace we are working hard to build.”
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with patriotic stakeholders like Hon. James Faleke in its mission to secure every corner of the state and preserve the gains already made in law enforcement and public safety.
GRPolitics
The Intellectual Sins of June 12: A Reckoning with Nigeria’s Democratic Conscience
Article Written by Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
Every June 12, Nigeria observes a significant date that embodies both the aspirations for democracy and the painful betrayal of that dream. This day commemorates the 1993 presidential election, celebrated as the most free and fair in the country’s history but ultimately annulled by the military regime led by General Ibrahim Babangida.
While the focus has often been on the political and military figures involved, there has been less emphasis on the intellectual shortcomings that contributed to this democratic failure.
These shortcomings—the “intellectual sins” of June 12—include silence, complicity, and ideological failures that continue to impact Nigeria’s pursuit of democracy.
The Election That Could Have Changed Everything:
On June 12, 1993, Nigerians came together to vote for Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, a well-known southern Muslim celebrated for his wealth, philanthropy, and political acumen. His electoral victory was more than just a tally of votes; it became a powerful symbol of national unity and a collective longing for civilian governance following years of military rule.
The military’s annulment of the election results, based on vague security concerns and claims of irregularities, was profoundly disappointing. This decision was not merely a political manoeuvre; it represented a significant betrayal of the democratic values that the election was meant to uphold.
The Silence of the Intellectual Class:
One of the most troubling aspects of the June 12 crisis was the widespread silence—or, even worse, the rationalizations—by many in Nigeria’s intellectual elite. University professors, public commentators, and thought leaders, who should have served as the nation’s moral compass, largely failed to speak out against the annulment. Some even justified it, wrapping their arguments in legal jargon or appealing to national stability.
The silence in this situation was not neutral; it was an act of complicity. During times of national crisis, when the intelligentsia chooses to remain silent, this absence is not merely a lack of comment—it is an endorsement of the status quo. Nigeria’s intellectual class’s failure to provide a strong defence of democracy in 1993 highlighted a more profound issue: a lack of genuine commitment to democratic governance.
Ethnic Chauvinism and the Failure of National Integration:
The annulment highlighted the fragility of Nigeria’s national identity. Although Abiola had widespread appeal across the country, the decision to invalidate his victory was perceived mainly as influenced by northern political elites who were uneasy about a southern Muslim becoming president. This perception, whether accurate or not, strengthened the belief that Nigeria’s democracy is held captive by ethnic and regional interests.
Once again, the intellectual class fell short. Instead of confronting the ethnicization of politics, many scholars and commentators either overlooked it or contributed to it. The chance to use June 12 as a catalyst for national integration and civic nationalism was missed.
The Legal and Constitutional Vacuum:
The events of June 12 highlighted Nigeria’s fragile legal and constitutional framework. The annulment of the election exposed the country’s institutions as inadequate in preventing executive overreach and safeguarding the electoral process. At that time, there was a lack of an independent judiciary capable of contesting military actions, an ineffective legislature to oversee government activities, and a civil society that was not sufficiently strong to mobilize in response.
The Institutional weakness in Nigeria was not a coincidence; it stemmed from years of intellectual neglect. The country’s legal scholars, constitutional designers, and policy thinkers did not create a system robust enough to resist authoritarian tendencies. Consequently, the annulment of electoral processes directly resulted from this inadequacy.
The Myth of Transition Without Transformation:
The military’s commitment to transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule was fraught with inconsistencies. The annulment of the June 12 elections exposed the illusion that democratic governance could be realised without a fundamental change in the country’s political culture. The transition program itself was characterized by a top-down approach, a lack of transparency, and a focus on maintaining the interests of the elite.
Many intellectuals were drawn into the myth surrounding a purportedly democratic transition process. By actively participating in advisory roles, they inadvertently lent credibility to a system that lacked true democratic principles. Their failure to critically examine the underlying foundations of this transition program represents a significant intellectual oversight.
The Repetition of History:
The aftermath of June 12 has had lasting repercussions for Nigeria, as the country seems trapped in a cycle of repeating past mistakes. Key issues such as electoral malpractice, the dominance of elites over democratic institutions, and the suppression of dissent are still prevalent in the political landscape. Unfortunately, society has not fully grasped or embraced the vital lessons from June 12, indicating a failure to learn from history.
The recurring failures In Nigeria’s democracy highlight a deeper intellectual shortcoming, as there is a reluctance to engage in critical self-reflection and necessary institutional reform. It is simpler for leaders to honour June 12 through ceremonies and speeches rather than address the uncomfortable realities that emerge from this historical moment.
A Path to Redemption:
Nigeria needs to initiate a new democratic renaissance to address the intellectual shortcomings highlighted on June 12. This revival should focus on enhancing civic education, implementing institutional reforms, and reaffirming a strong commitment to democratic values.
1. Enhancing civic education within society is essential to ensuring the vitality of democracy. This involves prioritizing the teaching of democratic principles, critical thinking, and active citizenship in schools, universities, and media outlets. By doing so, citizens will become more aware of their rights and responsibilities, thus fostering a more engaged and informed populace.
2. Strengthen Institutions: A functioning democracy requires that the judiciary, electoral commission, and legislature operate without political interference. Achieving this necessitates legal reforms and a significant cultural shift in how power is exercised and contested within society.
3. Empower a New Generation of Public Intellectuals: Nigeria requires independent thinkers who prioritize democratic values over ethnic or political affiliations. These intellectuals should courageously challenge authority and advocate for democratic principles, unafraid of potential repercussions.
4. Confront the Past Honestly: The June 12 crisis serves as an important historical event that should be incorporated into school curricula and discussed in public forums. It carries significant moral lessons that are essential for understanding the past. By acknowledging and confronting this history, Nigeria can work towards establishing a more just and democratic future.
Conclusion: Democracy as a Moral Imperative
June 12 serves as a powerful reminder of Nigeria’s complex democratic journey, highlighting both its potential and challenges. Rather than merely marking the date with hollow statements, engaging in a genuine reflection on the past is essential. The mistakes of that time—characterized by silence, complicity, and ideological failures—should not be repeated. As we honour this day, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals embodied by Abiola’s victory, including justice, unity, and the empowerment of the people.
Democracy transcends being merely a system of governance; it is fundamentally a moral obligation. Every citizen, particularly those influential in shaping public opinion, has the responsibility to uphold and defend democratic principles with bravery, clarity, and firm conviction.
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