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.
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 galvanised 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 sacrifices and seeks that we work together towards building a critical mass that will see to the perfection of the change vision now unfolding.
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.
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 defence 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.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
