On 6 February, 2013, our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into being with a strong populist ideological focus; its birth and progressive roots go much farther. In addition to the inspiration drawn from a few outstanding political icons, the epochal events surrounding the June 12, 1993 elections have remained a constant reminder for our people-focused agenda.
I wholeheartedly commend President Muhammadu Buhari for taking a historic decision to make June 12 our Democracy Day and a national holiday so that coming generations can further be inspired by what this special day stands for.
June 12, 1993 remains a poignant chapter in the political history of Nigeria and like millions of other Nigerians, I hold the date very dear; it was a date that an unprecedented multitude of Nigerians resoundingly spoke with one voice regardless of ethnic, religious or whatever form of differences.
I remember too, the large-heartedness and great philanthropy of the central figure of the June 12 struggle, late Aare MKO Abiola whose friendships and generosity traversed the entire length and breadth of Nigeria and even beyond.
Today, as I join all those who participated in the June 12 struggle to reminisce over the unforgettable moments that have left indelible imprints on our minds over the past 27 years, I also remember all the great heroes of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
The nationalists of late Herbert Macaulay’s era led the way towards the realization of an independent Nigeria, the exemplary selflessness of First Republic leaders like Sardauna Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Sir Ahmadu Bello was terminated with profoundly painful memories, we had icons like the great Nnamdi Azikwe suffering undue relegation to the sidelines and the truest and fairest elections ever achieved as at June 12, 1993 sadly culminated into the death and imprisonment of passionate activists, including the flag bearer of the now-defunct Social Democratic Party, Chief MKO Abiola and his dear wife, Kudirat Abiola.
Needless to say, our collective pains and disappointments have only reinforced our resolute commitment towards democratic goals and ideals and daily, I find great lessons and inspiration in the struggles and sacrifices of our great heroes past.
Strengthened by lessons from the past, life is better lived looking forward; while our party, the APC along with the Presidency President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly leadership under Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan remain focused on our party’s pro-people manifesto, our individual roles also deserve to be imbued with the dynamism of historical and current realities.
On my part, I have pragmatically chosen to keep the spirit of the people’s June 12 aspirations alive through vigorous pursuit of populist grassroots development in my constituency, Delta Central Senatorial district where our welfarist projects and grassroots philanthropy eloquently speak for themselves.
Also, as in all responsibilities assigned to my office, my chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Constitution review is not only determined to ensure a more robust democratic growth but the empowerment of the hitherto voiceless majority, especially our women and youth.
I commend the Nigerian mass media, labour and pro-democracy activists, women and youth for playing positive roles in keeping alive, the spirit of democratic populism that June 12 represents.
We are not there yet but collectively, let us keep our hopes alive and in due course, coming generations will have cause to smile over the great legacies that we shall bequeath in our time.
May the supreme sacrifice of all those who gave their all during the June 12 struggle never be in vain.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
