To mark June 12, 1993
election, which is believed to be the fairest election in the history of
Nigeria APC leader Bola Tinubu issued a statement.
The statement reads in
full:
On this 23rd anniversary of
June 12, we must not only cast our minds back to the events of that period, but
we must never forget our patriots who lost lives and limbs in that epochal
struggle. Beyond being a watershed, the June 12 election, the annulment and its
aftermath remain the cornerstone of our democracy as a people today.
Because a few courageous
ones across the broad spectrum of the Nigerian society formed a coalition and
lead from the front, the military was unable to get away with its
constitutional impunity.
Fired on by
patriotism resistant of years of oppressive military dictatorship and willing
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.
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.
But again
desirous of a change, Nigerians were again galvanized into voting the PDP out
and voting in the APC with its message and philosophy of change.
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.
Nigerians
must exact from its leaders performance and accountability.
Just like in
the moving spirit of June 12, Nigerians must speak up against any form
financial recklessness and corruption in high places, in their States or local
administration and wherever this is found. Beyond speaking against and exposing
corruption, Nigerians must speak for and in support of the on-going concerted
efforts being coordinated by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lessons
of the June 12 struggle abides. To June 12 we must return to rekindle our love
and devotion for democracy and Nigeria.
We Know that
no change comes easy and we must be mindful of the fact that the success of the
APC led government is the success of all of us.
On this
occasion, I shout out to all my colleagues from the days of the June 12
struggle encompassing the NADECO foot soldiers still alive today, the
pro-democracy activists, the civil society and the professionals who stood up
to be soldiers in defense of the democratic rights of Nigerians. 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.
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