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Opinion: Beyond the ‘Politricks’ of June 12
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By Raymond Nkannebe
Many Nigerians, including this writer still share the considered view that the decision by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration last year to post-humously recognise Chief MKO Abiola as the winner of the controversial June 12, 1993 election, was a red herring of sorts, or as some persons have chosen to describe it, a Greek gift.
Giving the timing of that audacious move, only a political neophyte would not see it’s political undercurrents. Since the mishap of June 12, the South West of the Country have not had a last word on the matter. It continues to feel betrayed and cheated after one of its own was denied the seat of the presidency in broad daylight. Not even the surreptitious enthroning of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the president of the Country by the military hierracy in 1999 was enough to placate frayed nerves in the West for whom the abortion of the June 12 election was a non-compoundable evil.
The day had thus taken a life of its own and at least two states in the western region observed it annually as a public holiday with state-sponsored activities dedicated to its commemoration. Despite all entreaties made to successive Nigerian governments by the Yoruba intelligentsia since the return of democracy in 1999 to officially decorate June, 12 in the pantheon of Nigeria’s history, same have met a cold reception by Abuja.
While the administration of Good luck Jonathan came close to that with its contemplation of conferring post-humous National Award to the hero of June 12, it was talked out of it by the Justice Belgore award committee who was of the view that national awards cannot be conferred post-humously.
Apparently not persuaded by the sentiments of the award committee, and perhaps determined to consolidate his electoral chances in the South West in the permutations to the recently held general elections, president Muhammadu Buhari saw a political millage within a serious national question: June 12 and decided in vintage Machiavellian fashion, to kill two birds with one stone: boosting his acceptance in the West of Nigeria by the act of conferring even if post-humously, the highest Honour in the land to the acclaimed winner of the June 12 1993 elections, Alhaji Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola on the one hand, and rising to an instructive pan-Nigerian feeling-the genie of June 12 which over the years had become a national affair.
And I think the commendations that followed that deft move by the Buhari administration, even amongst those who acknowledge that it was a political move, says it all.
Of course no one can water down what June 12 represents in the historics of Nigeria. Not only was it an election that afforded Nigerians the opportunity to choose their leader democratically after the truncation of the second republic, it was a missed opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate on her traditional nemesis of division along ethnic and religious lines especially on socio-political issues.
After the ethno-religious sentiments that gave birth to the revenge coup of July 1966 and the civil war that it precipitated, Nigerians never had the occasion to speak on an issue with one voice without being overtaken by ethnic or religious bias. But June 12 was going to change the narrative.
Abiola, a Yoruba of the popular Egba clan and his running mate— Babagana Kingibe, a northerner of the Kanuri stock, were both Muslim candidates on the presidential ticket of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) and contested the June 12 1993 election against Alhaji Bashir Tofa; the Kano-born billionaire and his running mate, Harvard trained and Mbaise-born Sylvester Ugoh; who ran on the ticket of the National Republican Convention (NRC). It was the calculation of the NRC hierracy at the time that it’s more “balanced” ticket would give it an edge above the Muslim-Muslim ticket of its opponent, apparently in a bid to cash-in on the ethno- religious sentiments of the electorate.
But as it turned out, Nigerians on June 12 under the A4 Option of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu queued behind the Abiola-Kingibe ticket and just before the announcement of the result was aborted by the Babaginda Junta, Abiola had garnered a whopping 8,341, 301 votes ahead of his opponent’s 5, 954, 087 votes as unofficial reports put it before the annulment of the exercise. Not only that, Abiola was leading in 19 out of the then 30-state structure ahead of his opponent who managed 11 states. Instructively, Abiola won Alhaji Bashir Tofa in his home state of Kano. It was the first time a southerner would defeat a northerner in his home base.
And the message out of that was loud and clear. The electorates gave no hoot about the religious persuasions of the candidates. As one analyst put it, “it was a day that religion meant noting as far as who governs the country was concerned”. More than anything else, it was the “HOPE” for a better Nigeria that Abiola promised, that resonated with many Nigerians at the time, as it should be. But all of that was not to be. It is therefore from this sense of collective loss on the part of Nigerians who were all equal partners in the June 12 project, that it’s subsequent national appeal derives.
It is understandable however why the Yoruba have kept it closer to their heart. Not only was their son directly in issue in the political mishap, he would go on to die a very controversial death after prolonged incarceration by the Abacha junta and reportedly on a day he was due to be released. But beyond that, his beloved wife would also pay the supreme price following from her sundry activities in reclaiming the mandate of her beloved husband. It is along this context, I think, that June 12 remains an emotional affair for many Yorubas as Biafra is to the Igbo. However, that does not operate to take away it’s national allure, or make it a Yoruba-affair; hence why the signing into law of the bill marking June 12 as the official Democracy Day by president Muhammadu Buhari the other day, would go on after many years to become one of the remarkable acts of his presidency; to the extent that it was a move that struck at the chord of our journey as a nation.
Yet, it is not the mere commemoration of June 12 as Democracy Day that lays the ghost of Abiola finally to rest. That would be reducing the mysticism of the day. It must take a whole lot than the pomp and pegeantry that would pervade most government houses today to underscore the essence of June 12. As against being a day for outlandish celebration, it calls for serious reflection; not only on the life and times of the eponymous hero of the event, but also on the concept of democracy as a cherished system of Government in the 21st century and whether after 20 years of experimenting with Democracy, Nigerians could be said to have been given the “HOPE” the hero of June 12 promised.
In the United States for example, when the Martin Luther King day was declared, it was meant not just to honour him, but to uphold the principles and ideals he stood for as a champion of Civil Liberty whose campaign against racial segregation made America a better place. In much the same way, the celebration of June 12 would remain a cosmetic affair or another presidential pet project, if the ideals and values that go with it are not imbibed and internalised.
Without a doubt, two of those values stand out in the context of the June 12 election namely: free and fair electoral process and, the choice of leaders without recourse to narrow ethnic and religious considerations. Unfortunately, on both scores, Nigeria continues to wobble. The voting pattern in the last two presidential elections leaves a gory picture of a country deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines. Such voting demographics speaks volumes and portends a great danger for national cohesion. Certainly, those were not what June 12 looked like.
Away from the disturbing optics of the voting pattern in the referenced elections, is probably the more serious problem of electoral malpractices. It is to the collective shame of Nigeria and Nigerians that we continue to refer to an election conducted some 26 years ago as the freest and fairest in all our history despite the advancement in technology that could have been deployed to make the process a lot better. One of reasons why many pro-democracy activists enlisted in defence of the Abiola mandate was because of the consensus around it as a freely and fairly conducted election. It was therefore a cause worthy to die for. It is difficult to hazard a guess that anyone in our current patently rigged electoral process, would put their lives in the line for any candidate at an election; as it has become an open secret that politicians go to the polls to out-rig themselves.
If 26 years after, June 12 remains the model election for Nigeria, then it raises serious concerns for the hoopla about 20 years of uninterrupted democracy. It is an indictment that we have not made any progress in arguably the most fundamental ritual of any democracy: fee and fair franchise; which is what June 12 is most popular for. And there is no better proof of this than the cauldron of pre and post election cases now littered in our courts and tribunals.
It is in these key collateral failings that discourses around June 12 must be situated. Beyond the politics and Politricks of the event therefore, current and subsequent administrations must be seen to commit to the key values and ideals the absence of which brought about the mistake of June 12. It is only when this is done, that the memory of Abiola could be said to have been honoured and the essence of June 12 as a latter Democracy Day fully served. Not in its panegyrics.
Raymond Nkannebe is a legal practitioner
By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Greatness is something we all should aspire to attain as we explore what life has in store for us. To attain greatness is no joke. It takes a lot of sacrifice, patience, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, perseverance, and dedication. Isn’t it true that nothing good comes easy? According to my late dad, Chief Lazarus Anthony Ukazu, “If you want to bear a bear name, one must work hard to earn it”
That means success is not attained on a platter of gold. One must strategically work hard to attain any height or title one desires to have. If one desires to be a President, one must be intentional in the way they live their life. If a student desires to have a perfect Grade Point Average (GPA), the student must begin from their first year of college to have good grades; if an employee desires to rise up to a managerial position, the employee must put in the work by ensuring that they are punctual and their work ethic is top-notch. I can go on, but as the sage will say, a word is enough for the wise.
Aspiring for greatness can be difficult, no doubt, but it’s doable. One of the easiest ways of attaining greatness is by knowing yourself. Knowing who you are is a critical and fundamental tool necessary for success because it helps to speed up the process. One may be wondering why I said knowing oneself is the easiest and fastest way to succeed in life. Well, the answer is not far-fetched. According to Oscar Wilde, “Be yourself because others are taken”. This simply means one must focus on what they are naturally good at. It makes no sense to struggle to be what you are not. Like, I always say, you can copy my style, but you can’t imitate my creativity.
That said, it’s important for one to ask oneself: what’s that one thing they are good at; what’s that one thing one doesn’t struggle to do; what’s that one thing most people compliment about them; what’s that one thing you can do and you won’t be stressed; what’s that thing you can do for free and you’ll care less whether you are paid or not; what’s that one thing you can do with relative ease if you are woken from the sleep and you’ll do it well? If you were able to answer any of these questions, then you are fifty percent nearer to greatness. The other fifty percent is for one to develop that inherent talent or gift in them.
The interesting thing about self-discovery is that it helps one to spend less time and energy on a project that won’t add value to their life. For instance, if you know you are good at a particular project or subject, or have expertise or creativity in a particular skill, you’ll stand a better chance of succeeding faster in life when you hone it than learning a new skill that you’ll have to develop. That’s why it’s good to know oneself.
During my formative years in the USA, I engaged in many activities trying to figure out my path. I began by studying taxation law at New York Law School, a major I didn’t like. I worked in a tax firm, hoping I would find joy in the money I made. That turned out to be an illusion. I worked in a small boutique law firm; I worked in a Not-for-profit organization; I worked in a private corporation as a Case Manager; I also worked as an entrepreneur at one point, and now I am currently in the public sector. I did all this just to figure out my path.
In all of these, I was still confused, trying many things. My clarity began when I got a job as a Case Manager; that job gave me clarity, focus, and purpose to know what I should be focusing on.
Again, my writing skills gave me a better understanding of who I am because it projected my image. Today, some people look at me and say I am great simply because I have three books to my name; I have written hundreds of articles in addition to meeting great people the world has celebrated. But the truth is that I discovered what I love, what I am doing and building, and the universe conspired to connect me to the right people, in addition to attracting opportunities to me.
I can say for a fact that, assuming I worked in a tax firm as advised just because of the associated money I might make, I would be feeling frustrated and depressed, even though I might have made money, which is not even guaranteed.
The same principle is applicable to anyone who studies a major or works in an establishment they don’t like. They might make money, but not in the major. I have seen nurses, doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc. who are making good money but are not happy, and I have seen people who didn’t study professional courses, some didn’t even have a college degree, yet are extremely successful and happy.
What does that tell you? They have either discovered what makes them unique, or they are happy with their major. Alternatively, it can be a combination of both.
The message here is to focus on what you are good at and develop it. The world will come to seek your services wherever you may be on planet Earth.
Furthermore, according to John Maxwell’s father, if you want to be great, you need three things: Value people, believe in people, and unconditionally love people for who they are. These are great ways to succeed in life, especially if one desires to make a fortune out of life.
For me, when I write, I think about valuing people, believing in people, and unconditionally loving people. Also, when I speak, I value people, I believe in people, and unconditionally love them. Why? Because people do well when people think well of them. It’s wonderful when a person believes in the leader, but it’s powerful and wonderful when the leader believes in the people.
Do you know that when you value people, it brings out the best in them? People love to be appreciated; people love to get approval, people love to get attention; people love to be accepted for who they are; and people love to be valued and respected. The simple truth about value is that when I value people, it brings out the best in me.
Today, I will ask you: are you aspiring for greatness in your family, school, workplace, community, etc. If yes, your task will be to focus on developing what you are naturally good at.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer, and author of Design Your Destiny- Actualizing Your Birthright to Success, Unleash Your Destiny, and The Six Pillars of Success. He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
The United States has delivered military equipment to the Nigerian Air Force as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
The supplies, which were disclosed in an X post by the US African Command (AFRICOM) on Thursday, were part of a foreign military sales agreement between Abuja and Washington.
“PARTNERSHIP IN ACTION: A U.S. Air Force C-17 delivers equipment to the Nigerian Air Force this weekend. The equipment is part of a foreign military sales agreement that furthers the U.S.-Nigerian partnership and will aid in Nigeria’s efforts to counter terrorism in the region.” U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) posted on X.
The development comes after US troops left Nigeria amid diplomatic engagement between Washington and Abuja over security challenges, particularly the activities of jihadist groups operating in parts of Nigeria.
The Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clarified that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel from Nigeria will not affect the country’s security cooperation with the US.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen. S. Uba, made the clarification on Tuesday during the joint security spokespersons’ briefing.
Uba described the development as a routine, mission-specific adjustment linked to particular operational and counterterrorism objectives, stressing that it should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the longstanding Nigeria-US security partnership.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to clarify that the reported withdrawal of about 200 United States personnel should not be interpreted as a breakdown or termination of the Nigeria-United States security partnership,” he said.
He said the relationship between both countries remained “strong, enduring, and mutually beneficial”, adding that intelligence cooperation, training and information sharing would continue.
According to him, Nigeria remained primarily responsible for defending its territory and protecting its citizens, while US support was aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Nigerian military.
“Our cooperation with the United States is designed to strengthen our capabilities through intelligence sharing, training, technical assistance, and other forms of professional military cooperation,” he said.
The tales of woe over the deplorable state of roads in Edo are not limited to commuters in transit on the linking highways in the State, as residents of Benin City, the capital, also groan as most intra-city roads have become deplorable.
Most hit are roads within the Government Reserved Areas (GRA), which were constructed decades ago without any visible rehabilitation work done by successive governments in the state.
But more appalling is the condition of the Oba Ovoranmen Square, otherwise known as Ring Road, which, in recent months, has become an eyesore with potholes and deep craters, with the residents of the metropolitan city calling on Governor Monday Okpebholo to rescue the city centre.
From the Mission Road, Oba Market Road and Plymouth Road entries to the Ring Road, it has become a herculean task for commuters using the square as they meander through the numerous potholes that have almost rendered the city centre impassable.
The situation is indescribable, especially in the early hours of the day when workers struggle to get to work and late in the evening, when the workers and traders close for the day.
Besides, commercial drivers that were previously barred from dropping and picking up passengers at the Kings Square have turned the place into a motor park, just as the rains have not helped matters either, as vehicles break down in the potholes that are usually covered by erosion.
In the GRA, Ihama Road by the House of Assembly Quarters remains impassable whenever it rains, while the Boundary Road towards Airport Road and Adesuwa Grammar School Road suffers the same fate whenever the rain falls.
Giwa Amu, Gapiona and other adjoining roads are also at the mercy of erosion as there are no drainages to take the overflow of water out of the GRA.
Gardens built around the King’s Square by former Governor Adams Oshiomhole have overgrown with weeds, even as hawkers are seen all over the place, turning all the walkways into extensions of their stores.
The National Museum, which used to be a point of attraction from any point of the King’s Square, has now become unkempt, overgrown with grass.
Some residents, who spoke with journalists over the deplorable state of the Ring Road, described its current state as a bad tale ahead of the Oba of Benin’s 10th coronation anniversary.
A resident, Mr. Osaro Idemudia, said: “We are not happy with the way the Ring Road is looking. Bus drivers are supposed to take passengers at the Central Park. Look at dirt everywhere.”
Another motorist, James Igie, said that “Kings Square represents the image of the State, and called on the government to attend to the situation promptly.
“It is sad that the Oba Ovoranmen Square is allowed to look dirty. This is not good, and we hope the government will address the situation.
For Solomon Aibangbee, a businessman, “in the last two weeks, the state of the roads in Edo State has been in the news all over the world. Passengers and motorists spend days passing through Edo State because of bad roads.
“As if that is not enough, you now add the roads within Benin City to the problems. Is Ring Road also a federal Road? I ask because that is the usual excuse we hear.” Aibangbee bemoaned
The Managing Director of Edo State Road Maintenance Agency, Engr. Felix Ibhade, said there are plans to fix the Ring Road.
Ibhade added that Governor Okpebholo had said that he would not want to do palliative work on the road but a full-scale asphalting rehabilitation.
“So we are on it. Our constraint is the rain because the majority of the roads we have given amelioration, the rain washed them up. So we are waiting for the rain to subside. That is the beauty of the town, and we don’t do it and after one month it will wear out. We will work in collaboration with the Ministry of Works because it is not going to be an easy job,” Ibhade admitted.
On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency, Pastor Stanley Ighodaro, assured that Governor Okpebholo has shown commitment to beautify Benin City centre and other parts of the State.
