Esther Odediran
June 12 is a remarkable in Nigeria and also the new democracy day. Democracy day in Nigeria was formerly May 29th. On the 29th of May 2018, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new Democracy day.
Here is a throw back on the importance of June 12 in Nigeria history. On 12 June 1993, a Presidential election was held which was the first since 1983 military coup. The candidates for the Presidential position were Bahir Tofa of National Republican Convention (NRC) and Moshood Kashimawo Abiola of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The election was done successfully indicating Moshood Abiola as the winner. However, the result was not announced by National Electoral Commission (NEC) because Ibrahim Babangida (Military Ruler) annulled it declaration.
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This annulment led to protests and political unrest. This led to the resignation of Ibrahim Babangida. During this period, the civilian Government was very weak so the continuation of military rule in Nigeria continued. Sani Abacha then ascended to power as the Military head of state alongside his vicious coup.
Moshhood Abiola was a personal friend of Ibrahim Babangida and he left his office due to allegations of corruption and lies. The support from the various geo-political zones for Moshood Abiola was so much that most people could predict he will win the election easily.
Unfortunately, Moshood Abiola was arrested under the orders of the Military President General Sani Abacha for declaring himself the lawful President of Nigeria in Epetedo, Lagos State. Moshood was detained for four years. Several activists and leaders probed for his release but the condition for his release was that he should renounce his mandate. The Military Government also offered to recompense his election expenses but he turned it down.
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Moshood Abiola’s death on 7 July 1998 (Same day he was due for release) came as a shock to everybody. Although, till date the nature of his death is still suspicious coupled with the fact that he died shortly after General Sani Abacha’s death. Abacha’s Chief Security Officer, Al-Mustapha(who was later detained by Nigerian Government) said Moshood Abiola was beaten to death. The final autopsy for Abiola’s death was never released to the plublic. There have also been rumors that he was not given proper medical attention. A BBC reporter Thomas R. Pickering went to interview Abiola when he was detained and she met him ill which was presumed to be a heart attack that caused his death.
Therefore in remembrance of M.K.O. Abiola, Lagos State Government announced June 12 as public holiday then some other state joined. Several Places have being named after him too. In conclusion, on 6th of June 2018 Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as the new date for the celebration of Democracy Day in honour of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
