By: Taiwo Akerele

28 years ago, as a 17 years old boy back then in Igarra Edo state, we saw hundreds of adults peacefully queuing up in an organized manner under a very convivial atmosphere to cast their votes for their choice candidates in a military organized transition in west Africa major economy, Nigeria.

That elections was annulled after a few days when a winner had clearly emerged in the person of Chief MKO Abiola. 28 years after, and 22 years after we returned to full fledged democracy, how has Nigeria fared in entrenching democratic values and ethos? Do we still que up peacefully to cast our votes? Are elections better organized?

Do we now have a better issues based campaign culture? Our elected officials accountable to the people? Is democracy working to grow the economy and improve the quality of lives of the citizens? Are the political parties have agenda that can be measured in terms of output and outcome? What has become of our local government systems across the country today? How has the judiciary fared? How far with their agitation for autonomy? How prepared Is the electoral commission to conduct credible elections similar to what we had in 1993 witnessed and attested by all and sundry as free and fair and credible.

Twenty eight years after June 12, how is the national budget working for the people especially in the area of research and development, innovation science and technology? What percentage of our national budget do we dedicate to basic education as against global recommendation?

For me these are issues that should dominate our reflections as we celebrate the June 12 anniversary in our dear country Nigeria.

Thank you

Taiwo Akerele
Country Reps PolicyHouse international and chairman Association of Nigerian Authors Abuja chapter contributed this from Manhattan New York city.