The Presidency of Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to protecting the democratic choice of Nigerians, stating that no authority will ever overturn the will of the people. This assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, during the national premiere of a documentary on the life and political struggle of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The event was held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos.
The documentary, produced by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment by the military government, and Abiola's subsequent struggle to reclaim his electoral mandate. The film also documents Abiola's arrest in 1994 and his death in detention in 1998. Onanuga led a minute's silence for Nigerians who died during the pro-democracy struggle, highlighting the sacrifices of prominent figures such as Anthony Enahoro, Adekunle Ajasin, and Gani Fawehinmi.
Onanuga emphasized that the sacrifices of those who resisted military rule must not be erased from Nigeria's history. He listed several notable individuals and groups who contributed to the struggle, including journalists, lawyers, students, workers, and academics. According to Onanuga, many Nigerians were imprisoned, driven into exile, or lost their livelihoods and properties due to their opposition to military rule. The restoration of democratic rule, he said, came at a heavy cost.
The presidential aide recalled that the June 12 struggle should serve as a reminder of the responsibility to protect the people's mandate. He noted that the democracy Nigeria enjoys today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of those who fought for it. Onanuga added that Abiola had been officially acknowledged as the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing the documentary as a tribute to him and the wider pro-democracy movement.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated that the documentary was produced to preserve the history of the June 12 struggle for future generations. She said the events surrounding the election needed to be properly documented so that younger Nigerians could understand the sacrifices that preceded the country's current democratic system. Musawa urged citizens to protect democracy and prevent the truncation of the people's will.
The premiere of the documentary was attended by several high-profile individuals, including President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and various state governors. Also present were members of the National Assembly, former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, and other dignitaries. Oyamendan, the documentary producer, thanked Tinubu and other individuals and organisations that supported the project.
The documentary premiere was part of activities marking Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. Onanuga's statement and the documentary serve as a reminder of the country's commitment to protecting democracy and the sacrifices made during the June 12 struggle. The event highlighted the importance of preserving Nigeria's history and ensuring that the democratic choice of Nigerians is protected.
Key points
- The Nigerian presidency has vowed to protect the democratic choice of Nigerians.
- The June 12 struggle was a significant event in Nigeria's democratic history.
- A documentary on the life and struggle of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was premiered in Lagos.
