Days have gone by; people have moved on, businesses have picked up. Just like yesterday, June 12, 1993 still remains a seminal moment in the democratic emancipation of our dear country – Nigeria. Arguably, June 12 is regarded as the authentic democracy day as against the May 29 popularly celebrated by the federal government.
The June 12, 1993 election was one of the most transparent elections so far in the democratic history of Nigeria; it was peaceful, free and fair, majority participation and devoid of tribal differentiation.
Abiola was not just a man of the people, but a totem and symbol of the actualization of the Nigerian dream. He was looked upon as the savior and the real portrait of democracy. A lot of progressives have argued that the real democracy day should have been June 12 and not May 29 solely because of the peaceful election, regardless of the annulment by the then Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida because of alleged evidence that they were corrupt and unfair .
Over two decades after his demise (Abiola), Nigerians, especially the south-west are still in nostalgia of what could have been, and what Nigeria as a country could have achieved if the poisonous string of death had not snatched the life out of a quintessential Nigerian leader; one that we never had.
The sundry declarations of public holiday by preponderantly South-West states is a testament to the overwhelming influence the Abiola brand had on the populace.
Enduring legacies like the Moshood Abiola stadium, Moshood Abiola polytechnique and the popular Abiola garden are a few reminders and recognitions of the great works and deeds done by the late sage in the business and political stratosphere of the country. He is indeed a quintessential democrat.
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