June 12: Nigeria Should Reward Tinubu With 2nd Term For His Sacrifice

History is a beautiful subject. It reveals that which simpletons and mischief makers would rather hide. It lays bare hidden truths, thus exposing hypocrites and pretenders. Without history to lead us back to the past, many would deny us the opportunity to appreciate even our present, not to talk of our future.

When some people say that Nigeria is a bundle of contradiction, they still look up to history to make things right. But for History, we would have forgotten the various roles played by our politicians 32 years ago in the wake of the historic June 12 presidential election and the subsequent annulment of the results by the then military president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida. Most of those currently prancing the political space ,claiming to have the magic wand to our socio-economic and political challenges, were in hiding when the events of that period played itself out.

It hurts so much that cowards who were in hiding during that critical stage in the life of our country are today making noise about democracy in Nigeria. Have we
forgotten so soon? Why have we forgotten the all-powerful NADECO and all those who put their lives in the line for the unity of Nigeria?

While everyone is entitled to contest for any position come 2027, it is pertinent for us to examine their contributions towards the building, enthronement, and sustenance of this democracy we are all enjoying today

The four pillars of the so-called coalition against the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 are Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Mallam Nasir El Rufai. Granted that all except Atiku were younger men in 1993, did they at any time condemn the annulment of the election? Thousands of youngsters were in the streets of Lagos protesting and dodging the bullets of the military. Where was Peter Obi? I knew Rotimi Amaechi was working with Dr. Peter Odili at Pamol Clinics, Port-Harcourt. Where was El Rufai? Nobody heard anything about them at that critical time that the nation was in need of patriots to save her democracy.

What of Atiku? He was still deep in his usual transactional politics. He had unsuccessfully schemed to be the running mate to Abiola. When Kingibe was chosen, he went home to sulk. It is not on record that he made any contribution towards the success of the Abiola victory. Instead, he was alleged to be one of those unpatriotic politicians who went to bed with the Abacha junta to seek ministerial positions.

Conversely, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was among the pro democracy groups that fought relentlessly and gallantly for the restoration of the mandate of Abiola. He was a serving Senator then. Along with others, they courageously reconvened the Senate after the military had dissolved it and passed a resolution for the restoration of democracy. That was an affront to the military, and they went after him and others.

It is on record that Tinubu didn’t recapitulate. He didn’t betray the democratic institution. Instead, he joined NADECO to sustain the pressure on the military to reverse the annulment. When he was about to be arrested and kept out of circulation, he fled to exile. He continued the fight from there, employing his resources, his talents, and his connections. He was in the trenches all through the struggle.

Everyone knows that June 12,1993, brought us to this day. It was a long six year battle that culminated to the return of democracy in 1999. Because of his fidelity to the restoration of democracy in 1999, Tinubu was rewarded with the position of governor of Lagos state and he didnt disappoint .In spite of the pressure and imposition and conquest of the South West by President Obasanjo and PDP in 2023, Tinubu stood his ground and was reelected as governor.

It is worthy to mention here that since 1999, Tinubu never jumped from one party to the other. He remained in the opposition because he is neither an opportunist nor a bread and butter politician. On the other hand, take a look at the profile of the other four politicians. They have changed parties the way a woman changes her under garment. Tinubu seeks the good of Nigerians. The others seek the good of their pockets.

Whether we like it or not, the event of June 12,clearly defined the character of our politicians, those who were for the people and those who were on the side of the military for their selfish interests. We now know the difference. There is no doubt that Tinubu is actually one of the heroes of our democracy. He has honoured those who played active roles in the struggle with national awards. But nobody has honoured him. He has demonstrated nationalism and patriotism in the highest order . Yet he continues to make sacrifices. He continues to take tough decisions for the good of our country.

Indeed, only a man like Tinubu would remove fuel subsidy and dare the powerful cabal that had held the nation to ransom. Only a courageous leader could have abolished the two-tier foreign exchange market that unscrupulous politicians and bankers had been feeding fat on. All the decisions he has so far taken are for the interests of the majority of Nigerians. So, when the so called coalition screams about unseating Tinubu in 2027, we should ask them what their motive is all about. Are they for or against Nigerians?

Amaechi has partially answered that question. He said he is hungry. But he paid N30m for a hotel to host his birthday. After leaving the employ of Dr Odili, Amaechi has been in government for 24 unbroken years. Yet, he is still not satisfied. He has confessed of missed opportunities in helping his people. El Rufai has been a minister and governor. If not that the Senate rejected his latest nomination, he would still be in government. That is his only motivation: to be in power. We know Atiku and his obsession to be president. That is his own motivation. All of them don’t care about the ordinary man.

Therefore, it is pertinent for us to support Tinubu to be reelected in 2027 to see to fruition his economic reforms and visionaryinitiatives. He is selfless and outstanding in his service to Nigeria. We should reward him for standing with the people at all times.Let us reelect Tinubu in 2027.

Charles Ogbonnaya, a Statesman and two time commissioner in Abia state.