June 12 Is Democracy Day in Osun

It was supposed to be the election that will change Nigeria’s destiny forever. 20 years on, it still evokes deep emotion and partisan commentary.

In Osun, the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere, disclosed on Friday at a press conference organised by the Civil Soceities Coalition, that Governor Rauf Aregbesola will soon send a bill to the state House of Assembly seeking to recognise June 12 as Democracy Day.

To Akere, this will serve as a diversion from the usual activities marking the 20th anniversary celebration of the June 12, 1993 general election.

“I want to assure you that within the confines of the law, we are still doing everything possible to institutionalise June 12 as a national holiday.
“Our resolve to collaborate with the civil societies in the state is to ensure a befitting June 12 celebration that would be symbolic and move away from the period when the day’s celebration was in bits and pieces among different groups,” he said.

At the event, some activists curiously blamed former President Olusegun Obasanjo for not recognising of the election during his eight-year rule.
Here is the take of the Coordinator of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Wahid Lawal.

“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo never wanted to hear anything about June 12. It is most unfortunate that Chief MKO Abiola, being a kinsman of Obasanjo, could be given such a treatment.”
And what about the Coordinator of Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People, Amitolu Shittu;

“Those who worked against the interest of June 12 are the ones in high political offices. They are found in the upper and lower legislative chambers.”