Nigeria government has been urged to officially announce the result of June 12, 1993 presidential result and declare Moshood Abiola the president elect.
Eminent Nigerians made the call during a programme to commemorate June 12, with theme “June 12, Now Nigeria’s Authentic Democracy Day” convened by Chief Lekan Alabi held at Omo Ajorosun Club, Agodi, Ibadan.
Former Nigeria Ambassador to the Philippine, Yemi farounbi, while speaking on the significance of June 12, described June 12, 1993 presidential election as a day all Nigerians shunned tribal, ethnic nationality and religion differences and voluntarily against all expectations voted for what should have been a landmark, what should have been a turning point, what should have been a new beginning for a greater Nigeria.
According to him, “When we remember that it challenges us because the country was so united that religion didn’t matter, that the country was once united that ethnic nationality didn’t matter, that this country was once so united that what matter to us was who to serve us, who will better articulate the wishes of the masses, who will provide for the hopeless, helpless and joyless of the poor but for the man who said farewell to poverty, that was one competent and merit matter to all nigerians.”
Ambassador Farounbi urged Nigerians not to lose hope but continue to pray for the country because it has potential to be great again, “to remind ourselves that Nigeria can be great because it has shown the potentials of greatness before.”
The convener of the programme, Chief Lekan Alabi, in his welcome address, expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari led federal government, and described the step taken as a good development, which many core supporters and those who stand for justice, equity and democracy feel happy and satisfied about.
Lekan Alabi, while lamenting the current state of affairs in the country, highlighted challenges confronted the country at that particular time in the World Press Conference held in June 18, 1993 and read by Chief Ebenezer Babatope on the country’s state of affairs.
According to him, “I highlighted 3 points, one Nigeria was in comatose, universities were on strike, hospitals were closed, cost of living had skyrocketed, there was fear in the polity, infrastructures were zero, food prices were skyrocketing in June 18, 1993. This is June 12, 2019, 26 years ago, I am sorry to say the situation of Nigeria is worse off now than then.
“But when government comes out with policies and always responds to people’s yearning you will know that they are not sleeping. So, a responsive, listening government will be challenged to do more than deaf, because the past governments particularly the military were not only deaf, they were mischievous but there is always light at the end of tunnel,” Chief Lekan Alabi submitted.
Prof. Mathew Umukoro of Department of Theatre Arts, University of Ibadan and Mr. Festus Adedayo delivered lectures to commemorate the celebration. Some of the dignitaries that graced the event include representatives of Eze Ndigbo in Oyo State, representatives Of Ebira Community in Oyo State, President, Omo Ajorosun Club, Chief Solomon Babalola, founding Chairman, MKO Dynamic Group, Kola Oyebamiji and Ms Folashade Haastrup.
Report by Adefarati Abiodun. Photographs by Teslim ADISA
