Why June 12 remains relevant

By DAPO AKINREFON & CHARLES KUMOLUIT happened exactly 21 years ago, but the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola has continued to remain on the lips of many Nigerians ever since. Some leading politicians, elder statesmen and pro-democracy activists in chats with Vanguard gave reasons the historic date will remain a fixture in the political landscape.It’s still relevant — Adebanjo Chief Ayo Adebanjo, a chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said June 12 will remain relevant “until we have a real democratic government where the peoples’ wish is installed. June 12 will continue to be relevant as long as we celebrate civilian government. It is the foundation of the civilian government after the dictatorship of the military.”Ayo AdebanjoIt’ll continue to haunt us — Odumakin Mr Yinka Odumakin is the National Publicity Secretary of Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, also shared similar views.He said: “June 12 is still very relevant to the extent that it reminds us of the democratic road not taken by Nigerians. We continue to grapple with democratic challenges, where elections are still do-or-die, where democracy does not bring dividends to the people, where people are not allowed to make their free choices through the ballot box, where our political leaders, across levels, are not accountable to the people the way MKO Abiola promised in June 12.In a situation where we are ripped apart as a nation, where the fault lines are showcased in terms of religion, ethnicity which June 12 was about to heal, we will definitely remember that June 12 was the road we did not take and it will continue to haunt us. It is very much relevant because that is the thermometer that will measure democracy in Nigeria every year.”It reminds us of the need to guard our democracy — Aturu For Mr. Bamidele Aturu, a lawyer and human rights activist, “the import of June 12 is that it represents our collective quest and decision to have a democratic government. It was evident from the manner our people went out en mass to vote for a leader of their choice. June 12 will always be a reminder for us to be eternally vigilant of our democracy because there are people out there ready to truncate our democracy. It tells us that we should perpetually guard our democracy. It is relevant and will always be relevant.June 12 must be put in proper perspective — Esele Comrade Peter Esele, the immediate past president of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, on his part said: “June 12 is still very relevant because of the kind of people at the top. It might appear as if it is not relevant. We need someone who appreciates it, so as to put June 12 in its proper perspective. Looking into the future, I will say that June 12 is very relevant in the polity. And when the right people occupy the decision-making position, they will accord June 12 its rightful place.”