₦airaland Forum

June 12 Tsunami and the ones who won’t forgive Buhari

by Garba Shehu


An old Chinese proverb says: Do good, reap good; do evil, reap evil. This short proverb sums the intensity of attacks against President Muhammadu Buhari, not leaving the ratcheting up of violence in some the States after a period of relative calm, in the wake of the political tsunami honouring the heroes of June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was annulled thus preventing the widely-acclaimed winner, Chief M.K.O Abiola (of blessed memory) from taking office as the President of Nigeria.

Even at that time, it was pretty obvious that the unjust annulment was a huge elite conspiracy, well beyond the schemes and machinations, for which the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida had established a formidable reputation.

June 12 annulment was inspired and supported in spirit, cash and in kind by high-level citizens who saw an opportunity for themselves and cashed in upon it.

Beyond the coterie of two dozen or so military officials whose names have been documented as literally having had a gun to the head of their Commander-in-Chief in trying to induce the annulment, there were tens, possibly hundreds of co-conspirators who either forced the annulment in one way or the other, or joined the sustenance of the injustice done to Abiola and Nigerian voters which, from then evolved into an industry of a kind, supplying incomes and conferring privileges of state upon those in the plot.

Many have forgotten by now that an interim government was contemplated at that time and a number of retired army generals were on queue, having been invited to get ready to head it. There was the foremost social scientist of the Yoruba stock who prophesied to the then rulers, on the day the announcement of election results was suspended that “the Yoruba will not be angry with the Head of State if he will go ahead to annul the election.” Then he did it.

In the media, there were many who conspiublisher who told their editors not to “lose your heads over this June 12. After all, was it not Abiola who thwarted the ambitions of …?”

In the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE where I was one of the three Vice Presidents at that time, rising to become the full occupant of the office a few years later, we had our own battles. For example, when Vanguard newspaper correctly quoted me as asking that Abiola be freed or, in the least be tried in court because detention without trial, even under the military was wrong, newspapers, both of them now out of print circulation, the New Nigerian (which still maintains an online presence) and Today, lambasted me for expressing that view. Their editors, themselves members of the executive committee of the NGE said in a counter statement that those views were not of the Guild since, as they said, the organization hadn’t met to take a position on the matter.

If you are counting the large number of Nigerians united by that annulment, and who must now be very, very angry with President Buhari for righting that wrong which nourished them, one must not leave out the men and women in the temple of justice who used one subterfuge or the other to keep June 12 buried and its biggest symbol, MKO Abiola in detention until his end came (or was induced). Naturally, there is also the fear of the unknown. What will come after this?

Remember that since the incident took place, no past administration in 25 years has asked the question, why was the election annulled? Who annulled it? What were the consequences? Beyond Abiola and his late wife Kudirat, how many people did the nation lose? In terms of the economy, how much was lost? How much of a dislocation was it, socially, politically and internationally? Overall, how much damage did it cause the nation?

Now would there be an inquisition into all of the things that happened? I have not been briefed if there is going to be any. Neither have I heard of any discussions on this. I cannot, therefore, speculate.

Should anyone be afraid? Our very erudite and sharp minister, Lai Mohammed said no Nigerian should fear for their rights under President Buhari, unless they are guilty of wrongdoing. I haven’t still mastered the art of predicting army Generals, not even this one. On this question, only the President can say “yes” or “no” if there will be a probe as many have begun clamouring for.

Understandably, anger against the new Democracy Day and honour to Abiola in a few quarters, the intensity of attack on President’s person would mount as the momentum he gains becomes manifest, even as we recognize that the opposition had been gearing up for offensive towards 2019 elections.

In normal times, even before the shocking master stroke honouring Abiola, President Buhari is a leader who had not been in the good reckoning of a powerful, very vocal section of the country’s elite. The reason is basically that they would lose when you put in place corruption-free governance, institute economic growth with special focus on farmers, and a strong drive for inclusiveness particularly regarding women and marginalised sections.

The Buhari Administration has annoyed these groups by putting in place long neglected infrastructure, establishing a social welfare scheme, the Social Investment Programme targeted at the basic needs of the common citizens and has given the country a major jump in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business rankings.

Railways and federal roads are being rehabilitated and new ones, including a standard gauge rail are being put in place to bring better and more efficient transportation services. Power generation and distribution have more than doubled with many consumers reporting 16-17 hours and in some parts of the country, actually enjoying up to 22-23 hours of power supply a day.

Foreign relations have improved any.

Foreign relations have improved and the awesome investments in defence and security sectors are paying off through peaceful economic activity in the Niger Delta and the on-going restoration of normalcy in the northeast and north central states.

President Buhari’s journey to the Presidential Villa had been long and tortuous– having contested three times and ended with appeals at the Supreme Court before he was fourth time lucky. A candidate many had taken as the unlikely one considering that he had been a man who is separate from the political establishment. That he emerged at the contest as winner was itself enough to rattle the political elite.

In trying to explain the gush of criticism and increasing resort to blackmail by those who have lost out under this honest man of humble origins, and frank dispositions, who has succeeded so far in running a clean government, it is important to note that these are qualities that only a few Nigerian politicians possess.

To borrow the words of another writer, “bitterness is inevitable for those who have been pampered and coddled and suddenly the suckling tit is removed from them and they become ordinary citizens without anything “special” or appropriating disproportionate political clouts.’’

If you read the history of our country, hardly do we have the top elite joining hands for the good of the nation. While Buhari’s tsunami on June 12 has stoked the anger and the fear of this group, the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day and the conferment of National Honours on MKO, his running mate Ambassador Kingibe and the foremost pro-democracy activist, late Gani Fawehinmi was, in another breath, greeted with great enthusiasm and warmth by Nigerians, most especially on the social media.

Barely after 48 hours by my count, there were over 150,000 Tweets on Twitter Trend discussing the new Presidential directive. Thankfully and expectedly, over 80% of these Tweets and reactions hailed Mr. President’s decision.

In what could be described as a twist, many of such applauses came from well-known opposition voices like Femi Fani Kayode (@realffk) amongst others.

The story on Facebook was not an exception. Nigerians were thankful to President Buhari for upholding Democracy and staging a surprise when it was least expected.

Below are compilations of some of the Tweets from Nigerians, hailing Mr. President’s directive.

@Busayo: Effects of PMB Declaration on #June12

1. Heroes of Democracy have been honoured & recognized

2. Injuries caused by IBB annulment start to heal

3. Those that have apathy for Democracy and voting as a result of annulment have been convinced to participate

It is a masterstroke

@TheNationNews: June 12: NUPENG commends Buhari for honouring MKO, others

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for officially announcing June 12 as the new Democracy Day in…

https:///Q6X7RjjHrd

@Yinkanubi: I must confess that I didn’t see this coming. But with the stroke of his pen @MBuhari just did to MKO and his legacy what the man that claimed to be his friend and the one that claimed to be his kinsman could not do – Give him his due worth. #June12 #ThankYouMrPresident

@MP_Muye: FUTURE QUIZ QUESTIONS FOR OUR KIDS.

When is Democracy Day? – #June12

Who declared it? – President Buhari

Who finally honoured MKO Abiola GCFR? – President Buhari.

Who started the honouring process? – President Buhari. #PMBStartedIt, #PMBFinishedIt

Best President? – PMB.

@AsiwajuOladimej: Whether what PMB did on June 12 is political or not, the most important thing is that, MKO Abiola has finally been honoured. #June12

@Iameneji: I can’t even describe how I feel today with this masterstroke from PMB

By 1pm, Saturday #June12, 1993, I have started dancing because results have started trickling in. Then evil struck!!!! I am always very emotional about Gani Fawehinmi. He radicalized me. I feel elated now

@ChangeHasComee: It is a welcome development. This is what we have been waiting for over the years. Good Nigerians have made several calls for Chief M K O Abiola to be recognised as a Nigerian President. For this government to have done this, it is a welcome gesture — Mohammed Fawehinmi #June12

@mrbhiyi: Buhari’s greatest weapon might be his not talking too much. All those accusing him of being a dullard should have a re-think. That #June12 card is an Ace. Especially at this crucial period. Like @OmoGbajaBiamila said, it is a well weighed through pass to South West

@Rouvafe: Kudos to Buhari for honouring M.K.O Abiola with that post-humours GCFR Award & officially announcing #June12 as Democracy Day. Few people are this benevolent in their last days in office.

@abdulljalo: Whether the president’s decision was politically motivated is discussion for another day. Let’s permit the families and supporters of the victims of that great injustice bask in the joy of justice served to their loved ones. Congratulations to family of Late Abiola, GCFR #June12

@afroconomist: The recent announcement by @MBuhari led govt by moving democracy day from May 29 to June 12 is a very plausible one which in fact has brought up several sides to the coin. Here’s a few things you need to know about the day. #Thread #Threads #RT #June12 #June12DemocracyDay

@ClaraCharles021: When is Democracy Day? – #June12, Who declared it? – President Buhari, Who finally honoured MKO Abiola GCFR? – President Buhari, Who started the honouring process? – President Buhari. #PMBStartedIt, #PMBFinishedIt

@akinscarce001: The posthumous award of GCFR to the late Aare Ona Kankanfo, Bashorun M.K.O Abiola and declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day in his honour. Today I am a proud Egba man. I am a proud Nigerian. Talk your own. #June12

@justemdee: About the new Democracy Day changed to #June12 from May 29th by @MBuhari. This is not about the 2019 Elections or the Yorùbás, it’s about Nigeria and Nigerians. If you ask me, it’s a CEMENT to the foundation of DEMOCRACY in Nigeria.

@BashirElrufai: The re-scheduling of Democracy Day to its rightful place of June 12 is fitting, fortuitous & apt as no democratic ideals were ever truly served on May 29 prior to 2015. Sai Baba.

@DeeOneAyekooto: Generations unborn will ask” Why is June12 our Democracy Day”. An election that sidelined tribe & religion, Abiola won, IBB annulled, Abacha stole, Abiola was killed for, OBJ inherited, PDP refused to recognize for 16yrs but Which PMB put in its rightful place in history on June 6, 2018.

@etinmagbe: I’m still over the moon on the June 12 Democracy Day declaration! Thanks @MBuhari for making this right after 25 years!

@raufaregbesola: President Buhari has secured for himself an incomparable position in history for surmounting the courage to take this historic step of recognising June 12 as ‘Democracy Day’ and honouring Chief Moshood Abiola posthumously.

@realffk (Femi Fani Kayode): I commend @MBuhari for announcing June 12th as our new Democracy Day. This is long overdue and I am pleasantly surprised. I also commend him for honoring Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12th 1993 presidential election, with the posthumous award of GCON. This is great news!

@MaupeO (Maupe Ogun): This is more than BREAKING NEWS! June 12 now democracy day!!!…(In Lucky Dube’s song…If I’m dreaming…don’t wake me uppppp)…

@akinalabi: Whether you like it or not, it was a great move by the President to change the Democracy day from May 29 to June 12 and also for posthumously honouring MKO. You are probably worried because his PR has risen and your man would likely lose to him.

@iSlimfit: June 12 declared as Democracy Day. Finally, Chief MKO Abiola got his well-deserved recognition. This is not about the Yorubas. This is celebration of a National Hero who won a free and fair election but was cheated.

@walekareem: Nothing but praises for @MBuhari for honouring June 12 – real democracy day- and the memories of Chief MKO Abiola

@tosinadeda: Honouring MKO Abiola is long overdue; it’s a great move for someone who paid the sacrifice for democracy, BUT…….But what? You are upset because the man you hate is the one that made such a move, & and it’s somehow giving your headaches. Purge your soul.

I have nothing to add, in concluding this short piece than to call attention of those who annulled the election and all those that helped to sustain the injustice to yet another old Chinese proverb: all relationships have happy endings; if not happy, then it is not the end.

The resurrection of June 12 in the beginning of a new chapter in the annals of Nigerian history. How this will end, it is premature to say.

Shehu is senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity
https://www.thecable.ng/june-12-tsunami-ones-wont-forgive-buhari

[11:45, 02/06/2018] Olusegun Bodmas: UN chief commends Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts
May 24, 2018Agency Report

Berlin, Germany - November 04: Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees of UNHCR, attends a press conference in german foreign office on November 04, 2015 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Michael Gottschalk/Photothek via Getty Images)
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, as commended Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda, saying the country plays a leading role in the fight against corruption in Africa.
Mr Guterres stated this in his remarks at High-level Debate Marking the 15th Anniversary of Adoption of UN Convention Against Corruption in New York.
The secretary-general pointed out that through Nigeria’s anti-money laundering efforts, stolen funds had been returned.
Mr Guterres said: “African countries have taken a leading role in moving this agenda forward in the last AU Summit.
“And with measures as for example through anti-money laundering efforts in Nigeria and Tunisia, which have seen funds returned.”
He said if governments were serious about doing the best for their citizens, then pledges to promote integrity and clamp down on corruption must be more than campaign promises and words on paper.
“Millions will go to the polls this year with corruption high on their agenda. I make an urgent call to our global leadership to take a moral stand and install a culture of integrity from the top down.
“It all begins with setting an example. By tackling corruption, governments can show they mean business. We must all do more.”
According to him, those who can least afford corruption suffer the most adding, corruption cripples economic development, stifles entrepreneurship and deters investment.
Continuing, Mr Guterres said: “Society cannot function equitably and efficiently when public officials – from doctors to police, judges and politicians – enrich themselves rather than perform their duties with integrity.
“Corruption robs funds from schools, hospitals, infrastructure and other vital services.
“Human trafficking and migrant smuggling, illicit financial flows and illegal trade in natural resources, weapons, drugs and cultural heritage are all made possible because of corruption.
“It fuels conflict, and when a hard-won peace is achieved, corruption undermines recovery.
“Corruption and impunity are corrosive, breeding frustration and fostering further corruption when people see no other way of achieving their goals.”
The UN chief added that the lack of opportunities for young women and men often exacerbated in corrupt societies, could feed into the cynical narratives of terrorists and violent extremists.
“The answer is to root out and eradicate corruption at all levels and restore trust where it has been lost,” the secretary-general stressed.
He said UN would continue to support Member States every step of the way, from helping to engage and empower citizens in this fight, to helping build and enhance institutions that could deliver on their promise
The UN chief urged Member States to use the 15th anniversary Convention as a platform to mobilise political and popular support for the fight against corruption.
He said the fight against corruption is the world’s most agile instrument in the hands of the international community to achieve our common goals of good governance, stability and prosperity.
Speaking alongside Mr Guterres, Miroslav Lajčák, the President of the UN General Assembly also reiterated that corruption hurt all sections of the society adding, it “destroys everything in its path”.
Ultimately, corruption causes suffering to ordinary people going about their daily lives, he stressed, citing common examples: “When they are stopped at checkpoints, for bribes.
“When a bus does not come – or a clinic does not open – because budgets were mismanaged. Or when they lose all of their savings, from extortion,” said Mr Lajčák.
Yury Fedotov, the Executive-Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, also noted that while Sustainable Development Goal 16 explicitly urged action against corruption, tackling the problem was a prerequisite for overall economic growth.
“Anti-corruption responses are also crucial to ensuring access to healthcare, water, education and other vital services; protecting forests, oceans and wildlife; and reducing inequalities,” Mr Fedotov added.
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/269569-un-chief-commends-nigerias-anti-corruption-efforts.html

I see Donald Duke response as a sincere reply and not to downgrade NOI. His statement about the state of the economy after departure of the NOI as minister under the clueless administration was a confirmation of what Ngozi Iweala herself has testified. She herself narrated the limping nature of the economy of the country after the administration was dethrone by reasonable minds of Nigeria. She revealed how the hope of Nigeria economy has become a will-o'-the wisp under the past administration. So if anyone is now attacking Mr. Duke base on his response as relation to the state of Nigeria economy after the departure of the clueless administration, it mean such person is myopic.

What a lovely and and true talk from a former IPOB sympathiser.

Will you keep Kwayet you criminal. Umunne anyi na anwu na ike ugbua makana Nnamdi Kanu sara ha isi (brainwashing). Has Nnamidiot Kanu not sent his wife and child back to London? Why is his wife running? You thieves compare him to Mandela. Was Winnie Mandela not flogged and beaten? Where is Lolo Kanu to collect Python beating?

I know this will come as a suprise but I will not support the breakup of Nigeria again. After taking my time to go through stories on both sides, I have come to the conclusion that;

(1)IPOB looked for trouble and should bear the responsibility alone. You can't fight a federal might and win.

(2)We Igbos brought trouble on ourselves. We first of all declared war on Buhari. Prior before election, we filled the cyber space with hatred and malice against him even Even though He should have forgiven us as a father knowing fully well that we are his children and he is a president of all.

(3)Further championing the Biafran cause will alienate us further from the Nigerian bread and make the needed developments not come to our side.

(4) We Igbos are very arrogant and have refused to learn to stop chest beating. We see every tribe as not suffering and we ourselves as the only people that suffered to make it. This is a pure lie.

(5) The Yorubas have every right to protect the Nigerian state. If they still want to stay in Nigeria, it is their right. I will forever stop calling them Afonja. Same goes for the good people of Calabar, Bayelsa, Rivers and Idoma who have made it clear that they will never be part of Biafra. I will now respect their opinion

(6) I have come to realise that even if Nigeria restructures today or separates, Igbos may bear the brunt more ooo. I have to be objective. Forget chest beating and making noise like wounded goats. We no get anything ho haa for our land. The Benue we insult for refusing Biafra has food oo. North has food oo and are preparing for post oil period. Our South East states have little or nothing to sustain us in the eventuality of a Biafra. Forget the oil in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom. Those people are not our "brothers" as we usually tag them. Even the first secessionist state in Nigeria was crushed by an Igbo man... Aguiyi Ironsi They themselves have almost been rendered impotent by the Nigerian state of which the big 3 tribes are the champions in marginalization.

(7) Nobody is marginalising Igbos. We are marginalizing ourselves because we have refused to play smart politics. The Yorubas are better here. I must commend them for that. They are usually smart and play to the wind of what is in place. Those people saw on time that Jonathan is failed project and ran to align with North. The gamble favoured them. Mind you that prior before now, Buhari ha approached us with Chuba Okadigbo and that Nnewi man. We totally rejected him and labelled him a terrorist. He became a president and and appointed people the constitution mandated him to appoint. It is not a must we will be in his kitchen cabinet. Mind you that we labelled him a terrorist. If I were him, I wont appoint Igbo man oo. Period. Because we pose a threath to him. If you want, call me Afonja. Abum ezigbote nwafor Igbo. Anaghim atu ujo.
I swear.

[8] O Boy forget propaganda and fake news. Nobody offered Nnamdi Kanu any oil well and Vice President. That Young man na pure renegade, wounded lion and a failure that bought into the so called marginalization of the Igbos. Because some Igbos felt sidelined by Buhari, they now fell back on Nnamdi to get a pound of flesh. They don't necessarily want to pull out of Nigeria. If you doubt me, why are some of us giving subtle support for Atiku who is a well known...... let me leave it there.


(9) We Igbos atimes tend to be greedy oo. We have been licking this oil oo. The oil is not our own oo as we usually chest beat. Everybody has been licking it. Our politicians are now planning to lick this oil alone and sideline other tribes. Biafra can never work oo. If you doubt me, tell me why a state as small as Bayelsa with all its big federal allocation and 13% derivation still owing its workers? My eyes have opened that this is class warfare oo. Even if we get Biafra today, the same set of criminal elements will still not be satisfied even if you give them all.the oil wells!

(10) The so called SEDC failed at the house because of the arrogance of our representatives and senators. I may be wrong but don't be surprised that our politicians from the East failed to lobby others before submitting the application due to their chest beating and arrogance. We need to learn to work with other regions to achieve good things for our peopl back home. We see Yorubas as Afonjas and See Hausas as Animals. But I have come to discover that some Igbos are the ones becoming Animals oo.

(11) Even though am not an IPOB member but I have been an ardent sympathiser and supporter, I have gone come to discover that these people are Barbarians oo. Believe me when I tell you this. I have gone close to them to discover that these people are just waiting for rhe right time to become terrorists. They are metamorphosing. Believe me. And they will be more terrible than Boko Haram.

Ndigbo gekwanum nti. IPOB abughi ndi unu ga enye ochichi. They have already written down names of those they will kill when Biafra comes. Most times, you see them discuss about how they will revoke all lands and which buildings to pull down in order to build their Utopian Biafra. These young men are heartless oo.

(12) Most of the people you see screaming IPOB and Biafra online are jobless Igbo youths in Germany, Malaysia, Cambodia, London and CHINA. They are screaming war and battle from their room but they have nothig oo. IPOB is being funded by drug and illegal money. They also get legal money through brainwashing children of the poor and down trodden especially those from Ebonyi and Enugu. Believe me on this.

(13) I knew Nnamdi Kanu was mad the day he said he will go to Abuja and come back with Buharis head. That was when I started suspecting his sanity. You can't make such volatile comments against a presidency and expect to go scot free. He even went as far as floating a BSS.

(14) I swear down. Buhari is very tolerant and tried ooo. Forget all these brainwashing by Radio Biafra that Hausa hates us. Its a pure lie. Abum Ezigbote onye Igbo si Anambra. If I were the president and my powers wittled as Nnamdi tried to do Buhari, by now, I would have crushed the person oo.

(15) Forget these hoodlums like Fani Kayode, Fayose, Reno Omokri and other iddots that are playing Ludo with our emotions. These people don't love us. They are our real enemies. They only need us to distract Buhari government and when they achieve their aim, they will abandon us! Look at that foooolish Fayose that can't manage Ekiti wants to become president! Can you imagine? Fani Kayode the hoodlum is only looking for how PDP will come back so that he will continue looting. Same goes for reno omockri the criminal whose principal supervised the greatest lootocracy of modern times!

I will continue later....

Apologies to Madridguy, Sarrki and a host of others. Some of them like madridguy are true patriots. Am discovering this late.


NB
Before you tag me Afonja, I was a former hardcore Biafran Supporter, A lover Of Igbo and an IPOB sympathiser.

Abughi kwam onye Hausa ma obu Yoruba. Abum Onye Igbo. I have only decided to live above hate and start loving other Nigerians.

I didn't do this for likes or favour. I am doing this because I love my Igbo brother. Nnamdi Kanu wife and son don run go London. Mazi Kanu has disappeared. Our brainwashed brothers are still shouting Biafra or death and being used to test run the new weapons the Nigerian army bought. Mind you that the Nigerian army has Igbo people among them.

I am now Python Dancing. Ndi Igbo unu etufukwele ndu unu maka Nnamiidiot Kanu. We have been sharing oil money but our politicians have been stealing our own and not working. Hold your politicians responsible. Case closed![/quote]