NATIONAL leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has described the June 12, 1993 presidential election as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement issued yesterday in commemoration of the 23rd anniversary of June 12, 1993 presidential poll, largely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola, but was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, Tinubu said there was need to remember patriots who lost their lives in the struggle.
He noted that it was because a few courageous Nigerians rose up to the challenge of that era that the military government could not get away with impunity. “Fired on by patriotism, resistance to years of oppressive military dictatorship and willingness to do something about the situation, Nigerians pushed the limits of civil disobedience against tyranny. By so doing, Nigerians pushed the military out, demanding for democratic governance and since then, there has been no looking back.
“With the new converts and company that have joined our rank and file, let us again stand guard and be vigilant to ensure that disgruntled elements and the powers of yesterday who we overthrew with our votes do not destroy our democracy,” said Tinubu.
“The seed of democracy that was sown during the June 12 struggle of which Chief Kashimawo Abiola remains the spirit and the moving force is the fruit we now enjoy. Nigerians sustained the fervour and the patriotic disposition necessary for a new political culture to take root. However, 16 years after that struggle ended and the military departed, a new kind of struggle began. With a government of the people, by the people and for the people, the desire for rapid development and a disciplined and accountable leadership became an agenda item. In the hands of the PDP-led government, Nigerians got a raw deal.”
He added that to get rid of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigerians were again mobilised into voting out the former ruling party and enthroning the APC with its gospel of change. However, the APC leader said that beyond the mandate given to the APC, there is need for every Nigerian to be part of the change they desire in the country, stating that the success of the APC government would be the success of every Nigerian.
Besides, he said Nigerians must demand performance and accountability from their leaders and rise against any form of corruption and financial recklessness.
“But beyond the historic mandate given to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the urgent need to have every citizen be part of the change we want to see. From the streets and crannies, from the classrooms and boardrooms, from the lecture halls and the corridor of power, from the lawmakers, ministers and leading politicians, this is a season that demands our contribution, requires we make sacrifice and seeks that we work together towards building a critical mass that will see to the processes of the change vision now unfolding.
“Just like in the moving spirit of June 12, Nigerians must speak up against any form of financial recklessness and corruption in high places, in their states or local administrations and wherever this is found. Beyond speaking against and exposing corruption, Nigerians must speak for, and in support the on-going concerted efforts being coordinated by President Muhammadu Buhari,” Tinubu said.