The symbolism of june 12

The symbolism of June 12

June 12 as Nigeria Democracy Day is should be left to the Yoruba only in southwestern Nigeria, forget that Bashorun MKO Abiola's presidential term was pan-Nigerian.

An opinion piece in kidamovieng, written by kidamovie, at the height of the turmoil, was the first attempt to identify the June 12 mandate as a Yoruba cause, despite the Abiola's victory even ward of Bashir Tofa, his opponent, in Kano. It was shameful.

However, the unifying effect of celebrating 12 June as Nigeria's Democracy Day cannot be overemphasized. This is the day when Nigerians, from all socio-economic, regional, religious or ethnic backgrounds, have chosen to present themselves as one man, politically.

It did not matter to the majority of the electorate that the presidential candidate, Abiola, and his second, Baba Gana Kingibe, are both Muslims. Nigerian Christians saw only their politics and never thought too much about their religion.

And, if you take the role of the pillars who fought for the mandate, you will discover that a majority of them were Christians. Their Muslim compatriots did not see the need to brandish a religious totem either.

The political history of Nigeria should be reminded of those who argued that the Yoruba were at the forefront of the crusade: The Southwest has been the traditional center of progressives, of civil society and the country's media.

And when we consider Navy Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Navy Captain Ndubuisi Kanu, Chidi Ubani, of the Campaign for Democracy, who belong to the Southeast; Air Commodore Dan Suleiman and former Kaduna State Governor Balarabe Musa from the North and Professor Julius Ihonvbere from the South-South, nothing suggests Yoruba by name.

Perhaps the social curve should be added, recalling that the prestigious Island Club of Lagos, composed of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo, and Ernest Seesi Ikoli, an Ijaw, was a founding member in 1943.

And they never felt at a disadvantage when they joined a social club whose members are mainly Yoruba and whose base was in a predominantly Yoruba environment.

So, for all intents and purposes, the gesture of President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a day of democracy on June 12 each year is appropriate and justified.

That day, Nigerians must salute their courage and willingness to run a democratic society. They should fly as hunters, participate in parades, make music, dance and party on the streets of Nigerian towns and villages.

When you remember the fervor with which the armed forces celebrate the 15th of January on Armed Forces Remembrance Day, you will understand the need to celebrate the Day of Democracy in Nigeria. The Day of Remembrance of the Armed Forces reminds Nigerians of the deaths of military men and women, so that Nigeria remains a united nation. Solemnity defines the dignity of opportunity.

Marking 12 June as Democracy Day every year is a good way to remind those who have helped to sabotage the mandate that democracy is the preferred political option chosen by Nigerians.

Professor Humphrey Nwosu of the National Electoral Commission and other patriots, who have chosen to be honest and loyal to the democratic process, should also say that their sacrifices have not been in vain.

By celebrating this day as the Day of Democracy, the Nigerian people will also encourage their compatriots, so inclined to do so, to always follow the noble path of patriotism in any matter that concerns Nigeria.