By Yemisi Dada
As Nigeria celebrates her twenty-six years of unbroken democratic governance, a Coalition of Civil Society Organizations, Defend Nigeria Movement and Nigeria Unite for Democracy has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to give national recognition to all the unsung heros of the June 12 struggle.
At a world news conference at Ikeja, the Coalition which consists of ninety one Civil Society Organizations, commended former president Muhammad Buhari for declaring June 12 a national holiday in the socio political calendar of the country.
While speaking with newsmen, the Convener, Comrade Rasaq Olokoba, said June 12 has remain a symbol of national unity and consciousness, showcasing Nigerians’ ability to unite around an ideology despite our differences.
“But beyond the memories and nostalgia, the June 12 struggle has become at the same time a symbol and a call to action for good governance and democracy. This is the way to continue to stand on June 12. On June 12 we Stand!
This notwithstanding, there is the compelling need to deepen the gains of the lessons of June 12″ Olokoba emphasised
While acknowledging the many challenges confronting the nation, Comrade Olokoba however, commended President Bola Tinubu for taking harsh decisions which had now birth an increased federal allocation to the three tiers of governments with a call on Nigerians to hold their Governor’s accountable for dividends of democracy.
“There is no administration since 1999 that can be acknowledged as the Baby of the June 12 struggle than the present administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not only because the President was a key player among those who made sacrifices in those days and who later as governor of Lagos State was adept at innovations towards development and defiance of authoritarian central government, but also because of its richness in progressive elements and democrats. It is therefore not surprising that alongside policies geared towards economic and socio-political transformation the government has also not forgotten the heroes of the past. This cannot be denied and we are not about to do that”.
“However, we make bold to state that this recognition appears to have been one-sided. The heroic deeds of the grassroots people defined that struggle. Their resilience bore the banner forward and their sweat and blood watered the flowers of struggle. Too many unsung heroes. Too many forgotten ordinary people. President Tinubu, himself a player in the board room and in the street of struggle, need to pay attention to this.
Therefore, we demand that the President give due recognition to the Coalition of June 12 Activists and Martyrs” Olokoba said
“There should also be a monument to the unsung heroes of June 12. They are our own unknown soldiers”
Comrade Olokoba also saluted the tenacity and perseverance of Nigerians despite the challenges and provocations but enjoined them to believe and have faith in the present federal government whose policies have saved the country ten billion dollars annually in the last two years.
The Defend Nigeria Movement and Nigeria Unite for Democracy Coalition also called on the government to urgently address security issues by leveraging on technology and community participation for visible results.
Highpoint of the event was observance of a minute silence for all those who lost their lives in the struggle of June 12, 1993 and thereafter.