Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on
Sunday said true federalism was the only way to
drive democracy in the country.
Mr. Ambode, represented by the Secretary to the
State Government, Tunji Bello, made the assertion
at the 23rd anniversary of the annulment of June
12, 1993 Presidential Elections.

The programme was organised by the state’s
Office of Civic Engagement under the Deputy
Governor’s Office with the theme: “Democracy and
Inclusiveness — Basis for Good Governance.”
“We still have a long way to go in our country
today and that is because we are not practicing
true federalism. And for us to achieve that, we
need to work really hard.
“We must ensure that we install a viable federalism
in Nigeria, that is the only way to build and enjoy
our democracy as well as honour the memory of
late MKO Abiola,” he said.

Mr. Ambode said that his administration would
strive to uphold the ideals of June 12 by ensuring
the expansion of the frontiers of democratic
governance and social justice.
Also speaking, Ndubuisi Kanu, a former Military
Governor of Lagos State, said that the practice of
true federalism was the solution to the challenges
facing the country.

“Whatever is happening now in the country either
militancy, IPOB or others will not stop until we go
back to the Nigeria that we are expected to build; a
federal Nigeria.
“We should brace up and be prepared. Prayers
alone will not solve the problem. We have to get
back to a federal Nigeria,” Mr. Kanu, retired Rear
Admiral, said.

In his contribution, Ayo Opadokun, Convener of the
Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms, said
that restructuring was the solution to country’s
challenges.
“After 23 years, those who denied Nigerians the
opportunity of true democracy are still living and
are in government positions.
“But it is sad to note that they have not done
anything to correct the mistakes from the lessons
of June 12.

“June 12 will continue to be relevant until
Nigerians are given the opportunity to decide their
fate in the country and that is when Democracy
would have been enthroned,’’ he said.
Mr. Opadokun urged President Muhammadu Buhari
to direct the Independent Electoral Commission to
announce Abiola as the winner of June 12, 1993
election as well include his name in the names of
past presidents of Nigeria.

In his lecture, Olumuyiwa Noah, a lecturer at the
University of Lagos, urged elders in the country to
narrate the story of June 12 to the younger
generation to curb electoral malpractices.
“We owe it a duty to tell the story of June 12 to
our young ones who are ignorant of what
transpired so that they are aware; and in future,
elections malpractices will be curbed,” the
professor said.

In his remarks, Kehinde Joseph, Special Adviser to
Governor Ambode on Civic Engagement, said that
the anniversary was to keep the essence and
lessons of democratic experience alive.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election was
annulled by former military dictator, Ibrahim
Babangida, before the final announcements of
results. Initial results released showed that
Moshood Abiola, a billionaire philanthropist, had an
unassailable lead over his then opponent, Bashir
Tofa.

Mr. Abiola, who later died in government custody,
is believed by most Nigerians to have won the
election, considered one of the freest and fairest in
Nigeria.

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