Remembering the True Heroes of June 12

Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was not perfect, but he was a determined fighter. He had the bravery to demand the presidential mandate given to him by Nigerians. He insisted that this mandate must be recognized and respected. This was the foundation of the June 12 struggle.

June 12 became a moment of bravery, revealing the fake “progressives”, “patriots”, “democrats”, and “socialists” in Nigeria. It showed that the country was held back by people who are ethnically biased, religiously intolerant, corrupt, and oppressive.

June 12 also showed that the First Independence Movement (FIM) had failed and needed to be replaced. It called for a Second Independence Movement (SIM) that would prioritize the people.

It is unfortunate that the All Progressives Congress (APC) officially recognizes June 12 as “Democracy Day” and a public holiday. This is sad because the APC promotes lies, corruption, injustice, and violence. It is a party filled with selfish politicians.

It is ironic that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) is naming patriots, progressives, democrats, and fighters for freedom as “heroes” and “heroines” of democracy while giving them national honors. The PBAT administration is known for being anti-democracy, following the IMF and World Bank, and neglecting Nigeria's interests.

Like the APC and PBAT destroy everything they handle, they have also tarnished the significance of June 12. It is no surprise that in the last two years, those against June 12 have been honored as heroes and heroines of June 12.

Abiola is undoubtedly a main hero of June 12. Nigerians knew this even before PBAT’s announcement. He faced strict surveillance and was arrested on June 23, 1994. For four years, he was held in solitary confinement and suffered psychological torture and limited medical care.

Despite efforts to ruin Abiola’s reputation, these attempts have failed. Religious hypocrites, ethnic bigots, and corrupt politicians attacked him. His family faced harassment and intimidation. His businesses were destroyed by Abacha’s regime.

Abiola died on July 7, 1998, under suspicious circumstances, after drinking tea served by officials of the Abdulsalami Abubakar military government. This was a tragic event for Nigeria.

Bagauda Kaltho, a former student activist turned journalist, was murdered by Abacha’s assassins. He was a hero of June 12. Chief Alfred Rewane was shot in his home on October 6, 1995, for supporting June 12 and opposing Abacha.

Abiola’s wife, Mrs Kudirat Abiola, was ambushed and shot dead on June 4, 1996. Her driver was also killed. Yet, she has never been honored as a hero of June 12. This shows bias in recognition.

Bagauda Kaltho, a former radical student activist turned journalist, was murdered by Abacha’s assassins. He was a hero of June 12. Chief (Mrs) Bisoye Tejuoso, Alhaja Suliat Adedeji, retired Rear Admiral Babatunde Elegbede, Admiral Olu Omotehinwa, and Dr Sola Omosola were also killed for their support of June 12.

Many others like Sergeant Patrick Usipeko died in prison. Also, 118 pro-democracy protesters were shot dead in Lagos on July 6, 1993. They are all heroes and heroines of June 12, regardless of PBAT’s acknowledgment.

Chiefs Gani Fawehinmi, Abraham Adesanya, and Abiola Opadokun; Professor Omo Omoruyi, Justice Omotunde Ilori, General Alani Akinrinade, and Commodore Dan Suleiman (rtd.) escaped Abacha’s assassins. They are heroes and heroines of June 12, whether PBAT recognizes them or not.

Journalists like Dapo Olorunyomi of TheNews, Chris Anyanwu of TSM, and others were arrested for reporting on June 12. They are heroes and heroines of June 12, regardless of PBAT’s recognition.

June 12 leaders like Beko Ransome-Kuti, Owei Lakemfa, and others organized the June 12 struggle in Lagos. In Edo and Delta states, Jonathan Ihonde and others mobilized people for June 12, opposing the Interim Government. They are heroes and heroines of June 12.

Laoye Sanda, Moshood Erubami, and Lam Adesina led the Ibadan struggle. They are heroes of June 12, no matter PBAT’s recognition. In the South-East, leaders like Arthur Nwankwo and others fought for June 12. They, too, are heroes of June 12.

In Plateau and Middle-Belt states, leaders like Chris Abashi and many others fought for June 12. They are heroes and heroines of June 12. In Kaduna, Anslem Akele, Abdul-Raufu Mustapha, and others led the struggle. They are also heroes of June 12.

In Kano and Jigawa states, Naseer Kura and others are among the heroes and heroines of June 12. In Maiduguri, Abdulkadir Isah and his team led the fight for June 12. Are they not heroes?

If PBAT truly wants to honor June 12, he must order all security agencies to release files on June 12 to the public. This way, we will know the real heroes, heroines, and villains of June 12.