Hon.Ifedayo Abegunde Pays Tribute To June 12 Heroes On Democracy Day

Hon.Ifedayo Abegunde Pays Tribute To June 12 Heroes On Democracy Day

As Nigeria marks another Democracy Day, Hon Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde has paid a heartfelt tribute to the heroes of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election. In a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, Abegunde honored the sacrifices and unwavering resolve of those who fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, spotlighting the enduring legacy of Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, the widely recognized winner of the annulled election.

Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12, commemorates the 1993 presidential election, regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest. The election, however, was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida, triggering a fierce and prolonged struggle for democratic governance. Abiola, who was denied his mandate, emerged as the symbol of this fight until his death in 1998 under mysterious circumstances while in detention.

In his statement, Abegunde extolled Abiola’s “unbending courage” in standing up to military oppression. He emphasized that Abiola’s determination inspired a generation of Nigerians to demand justice and democracy, a legacy that continues to resonate today. The tribute comes at a time when the nation reflects on its democratic journey and the sacrifices that paved the way for civilian rule.

**PRAISING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU’S ROLE

Abegunde singled out Nigeria’s incumbent President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his significant contributions during the pro-democracy struggle.Tinubu, a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), played a key role in mobilizing opposition against military rule in the 1990s. A former senator and governor of Lagos State, Tinubu’s efforts during this period included funding pro-democracy activities and enduring exile to escape persecution. Abegunde hailed Tinubu’s resilience, noting that his leadership as president today reflects the fruits of those earlier struggles.

**HONOURING MICHEAL ADEKUNLE AJASIN’s LEADERSHIP

The statement also highlighted the immense contributions of the late Micheal Adekunle Ajasin, former governor of Ondo State and a towering figure in the pro-democracy movement. Ajasin led NADECO, a coalition of activists and politicians dedicated to restoring Abiola’s mandate, until his death in 1997. Abegunde described Ajasin as a fearless leader who stood at the forefront of the fight against military dictatorship, paying a steep personal price for his principles. His legacy as a statesman and advocate for justice remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic history.

He also praised the role played by Oba Olu Falae and Pa Reuben Fasoranti.

**EULOGIZING SENATOR ABRAHAM ADESANYA

Abegunde paid tribute to the late Senator Abraham Adesanya, another NADECO stalwart who survived an assassination attempt in 1997. Adesanya’s brush with death underscored the dangers faced by pro-democracy activists during the military era. Despite such threats, he remained a vocal critic of the regime and a unifying figure in the struggle. Abegunde praised Adesanya’s courage, calling him an emblem of resilience in the face of tyranny.

**REMEMBERING THE MARTYRS

The statement took a somber tone as Abegunde remembered those who paid the ultimate price for democracy. Among them were Kudirat Abiola, Moshood Abiola’s wife, assassinated in 1996 for her outspoken activism; Suliat Adedeji, a key figure killed in 1996; and Alfred Rewane, a NADECO financier murdered in 1995. Abegunde noted that these individuals, along with many others, sacrificed their lives to keep the dream of democracy alive. Their deaths galvanized public outrage and drew global attention to Nigeria’s plight, intensifying the pressure on the military regime.

**SALUTING THE NIGERIAN PRESS

Abegunde reserved special praise for the Nigerian press, which he described as “honourable in the toughest of times.” Journalists faced censorship, harassment, and violence, yet remained committed to exposing the truth. He recalled the tragic fate of Bagauda Kaltho, a journalist who disappeared in 1996 and was later confirmed to have been killed by state agents. Abegunde also highlighted the imprisonment of prominent reporters such as Kunle Ajibade, Chris Anyanwu, and Onome Osifo-Whiskey, who were jailed for their coverage of the regime’s atrocities. Their sacrifices, he said, underscored the indispensable role of a free press in the fight for justice.

**TRIBUTE TO HUMAN RIGHTS LAWYERS

The contributions of human rights lawyers were also a focal point of Abegunde’s statement. He paid tribute to legal luminaries like Gani Fawehinmi, Femi Falana, and Olisa Agbakoba, who waged courtroom battles against the military government. These lawyers defended activists, challenged unconstitutional decrees, and advocated for the rule of law, often at great personal risk. Abegunde lauded their tenacity, noting that their efforts helped sustain the legal and moral framework of the pro-democracy movement.

**RECOGNIZING STUDENT ACTIVISTS

Student activists were not overlooked in Abegunde’s tribute. He specifically mentioned Omoyele Sowore and Opeyemi Bamidele, who were instrumental in organizing protests and rallies during the struggle. Sowore, now a well-known activist and publisher, and Bamidele, currently a senator, risked their lives as students to demand the restoration of Abiola’s mandate. Abegunde praised their boldness, crediting the youth of that era with injecting energy and urgency into the movement.

**REFLECTING ON NIGERIA’s DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS

In closing, Abegunde reflected on the progress of Nigeria’s democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999. “Nigeria’s democracy has come a long way,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of corruption, electoral flaws, and governance issues that have tested the nation. Yet, he expressed optimism about the future, asserting that the sacrifices of the past have laid a foundation for continued improvement. “Our democracy will continue to get better,” he declared, urging Nigerians to honor the June 12 heroes by actively participating in the democratic process.

** A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND RESOLVE

Democracy Day serves as both a celebration and a call to action for Nigerians. It is a time to honor the courage of figures like Moshood Abiola, whose unyielding spirit inspired a movement, and the countless others who stood with him. Hon Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde’s tribute encapsulates the collective gratitude of a nation to those who fought for its freedoms. As Nigeria looks to the future, the lessons of June 12 remain a guiding light, reminding citizens of the fragility of democracy and the vigilance required to preserve it.