Instead of the argument going on in Nigeria on whether or not Mr Tinubu supported the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, I think it would have been better if the “debaters” found something else to do.
Yes, my stance remains that justice must be served concerning the best election to have taken place in Nigeria. However, the election was annulled, and MKO Abiola, the winner, was jailed for winning the election.
He later died while still incarcerated.
However, I suspect the current debate is being orchestrated by the presidency as a diversionary tactic.
Nigerians are worried about where and how to get the next meal, how to pay for the education of their wards, how to get jobs, how to get water, light and security.
When the basic needs have been satisfied, the best way to settle the debate is to document the activities which surround the June 12, 1993, election. Not just that, we should make sure the document is included in Social Studies or Civic Education taught in schools.
It wouldn’t be a bad idea to think of establishing a relationship with the Abiola family, relating to how to pay compensation to the family. I gather one of the reasons for the annulment was that the federal government owed Abiola some money. The thinking of those in government at that time was that if Abiola was given the chance to be president, the first thing he would have done was pay off the debt.
Then, we should think of compensating those who died, were maimed or incarcerated during that period. This, of course, includes the Abiola family.
Also, the names of all those who participated in the June 12 struggle should be engraved and put in a conspicuous place in the federal capital territory.
Then is the issue of justice, everyone guilty of crime in the events surrounding June 12 should be brought to justice.
Let’s chase the fox away before we put the rooster in the cage – Yoruba proverb.
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