IT ALL STARTED FROM SOMEWHERE!!!
The Aftermath of Nigeria gained independence in 1960 from Great Britain, drastically change the state and affairs of the nation. Political parties are categorized into 3 based regional areas of the country namely the EAST, WEST and NORTH. MID-WEST REGION emanated due to tactics and practices of the political leaders in the First Republic, which led to the partial eviction of the WEST in government. Corruption, exploitation of public funds by government officials weakened the economy, weakness in political and judiciary system made way for Military coups on 15th of Jan 1966, and then, civil war.
THE STRUGGLE BEGINS
Tug of war; the game of Life and death among military juntas and political leaders erupted, and continued for decades, whereas citizens suffer the more with unstable government. The end of military rule brought about a new era of regular elections as well as the return of civil liberties, free press and end to arbitrary arrests and torture. Nigerians also began a long campaign against the bureaucratic and military corruption that had paralyzed its economy and severely tarnished its international reputation.
THE ELECTION
Nigerian presidential election was held on 12 June 1993 (Nigerian Third Republic), the election was a process to change baton of governance from military to civilian rule as headed by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB).
Who is IBB?
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was born on 17 August 1941 in Minna, a Nigerian statesman and military general who served as military President of Nigeria from 1985 until his resignation in 1993. In 1975, Colonel Babangida as commander of the amoured corps was a key participant in the coup that brought General Murtala Mohammed to power, He ordered the public execution of Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka in May 1976, following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. He resigned after the annulment of elections citing electorial irregularities, though not declared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) but clearly indicated a victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
Who is Abiola?
Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was born on 24 August 1937 a Nigerian Yoruba businessman, politician and aristocrat of the Egba clan. He was the 14th Aare Ona Kankafo of Yorubaland. Abiola's support in the June 1993 presidential election cut across geo-political zones and religious divisions, among a few politicians to accomplish such a spread during his time, of which he won 19 out of 30 states including Kano, Tofa's state. Abiola had 4.3 million and Tofa 2.3 million of the total vote 6.6 million.
" At last! Our rays of Hope" ,"Burden of Schooling", "farewell to poverty" were the campaign slogans used to gain the heart of millions and also to raise hope of the poor. The annulled election led to violent protests in the south-west region that lead to killings of forces and citizens. Abiola flew to London and Washington to seek international support for his presidency but was later arrested and charged with treason in June 1994 after he declared himself president and commander-in-chief. Abiola's arrest led to protests and strikes by workers in the petroleum sector, banking sector and academia for nine weeks.
MARTYR DEATH
Shortly after the death of General Abacha, Abiola died in suspicious circumstances, on the day that he was due to be released, 7 July 1998. While the official autopsy stated that Abiola died of natural causes, but was denied by Abacha's Chief Security Officer, al-Mustapha has alleged that Moshood Abiola was in fact beaten to death,and claims to have evidences. Regardless of the exact circumstances of his death, it is clear that Chief Abiola received insufficient medical attention for his existing health conditions.
DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA TODAY
The begining of Fourth Republic in Nigeria in May 29 1999 after decades of military rules, citizens expectations has been on a high side, hoping that democracy will deliver Nigeria from the long decades of agony and oppression. Nigerians looked with great expectations of better things to come in good governance; they looked forward to be free from corrupt political leaders, government looters, greedy public officials and to more programmes of social service delivery in areas of education, health, infrastructural development, poverty alleviation, disease control, unemployment, security, etc. These elements constitute meaningful human existence.
Over 150 million Nigerians still await the better days to come after 20years.
JUNE 12 A day to remember.
MEMOIR OF JUNE 12.
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