Need To Re-open The Events Of June 12, 1993 And Thereafter

By Solomon Asemota

 
We must thank Mr. President for opening the debate on the sacrifice of Chief Moshood Abiola and the importance of June 12, 1993.

Unfortunately, Mr. President contradicted himself when he referred to Chief Moshood Abiola as presumed winner of June 12 Election.  You do not honor a man on a presumption as the gesture must be based on facts.  This contradiction notwithstanding, as an alumnus of UNILAG and a member of NADECO I believe that the President has re-opened the issues concerning June 12 and the death of Abiola.  Nigerians conferred the greatest honor on Abiola when they overwhelmingly voted him President in 1993. Even the elements co-operated when on the day, there was no drop of rain in Nigeria at that time of the raining season.  There was also no report of disturbance anywhere which showed that without interference by the powers that be, Nigeria is capable of achieving the feat of free, fair and credible elections.  The unelected military rulers who annulled this election need to explain to the Nigerian people why they sabotaged their wishes.  Mr. President will do honor to Abiola if he re-opens investigations as to the circumstance of his death at a Truth Commission.
 
One is opposed to a one for all time honor of a Nigerian.  The National University Commission need to consider the collegiate system.  The University of Cambridge has Emmanuel College founded in 1584, Churchill College in 1960 and Darwin College in 1964. Twenty-eight others are named after prominent people and events like Corpus Christi founded in 1352.  A Moshood Abiola College of the University of Lagos lives room for others to be recognized by the same University.  There is no Nigerian dead or living that has a history or political importance more than any of our ancient cities – Benin, Ife, Kano, Ibadan, Nsukka, Maiduguri, Lagos etc.  Mistakes have been made in the past with respect to Zaria, Ife, Kano and a few others and these could be corrected.
 
The reactions of most Nigerians who oppose the change are within the purview of the struggle for supremacy.  In a democracy, supremacy rests permanently with the people. Mr. President, please abandon this political decision and show the whole world that you are an elected president not a military dictator by rescinding your decision. To fellow Akokites, I say congratulations.  I am available for your next peaceful demonstration.
 
Solomon Asemota Esq. SAN