Today is June 12, marked in our dear country as Democracy Day. It is a historic day that deserves to be celebrated.

On that day in 1993, we the people of Nigeria stated our unreserved preference for true democracy. Though under military rule, we freely chose a transparent voting method. Our votes reflected our true choice as a people. Our choice on that day defied divisions of ethnicity, religion, and region.
It is these qualities that added up to make June 12 special in our search for true democracy.
Our collective choice of late Chief M. K.O Abiola as a worthy leader for the nation was saluted by Nigerians and governments and people across the world.

Therefore, June 12 underpins our long collective journey to nationhood as a true democracy.

However, the current state of our politics tells a different story. Our democracy is deeply troubled while our nation’s destiny remains uncertain and precarious.

We remain a nation in search of solutions to too many basic problems. One of these is the search for a credible electoral system that would command the trust, confidence, and belief of ALL Nigerians just like June 12 did.

We should, therefore, use the commemoration of June 12 as an occasion to return to the true virtues of a truly democratic nation. We achieved that feat on June 12, 1993.

In the spirit of June 12, therefore, we need to emplace an electoral system that commands the trust of the people. This is in recognition of the tenets and core values of democracy, which rest on respect for the wishes of the people as expressed in their ballots.

Above all, the government must respect and protect the institutions of the democratic state by respecting the social contract with the people by meeting their needs, obeying their wishes, and fulfilling the responsibilities of responsible governance as contained in the constitution. A cardinal responsibility of government in this regard is respect for the rule of law.

Regrettably, we are now in an era where these foundational pillars of democracy are undermined by prevalent impunity and pervasive violence, and bloodletting.

The trust deficit between the leaders and Nigerians continues to expand. The deficits of trust and efficiency in our last elections demonstrate this malady quite boldly.

The challenge of June 12 and a dedicated Democracy Day is to inspire us to correct the errors of our recent elections. This is the surest way to restore the confidence of our people in the future of our nation and the promise of true democracy.

I however urge us all not to lose faith in the inbuilt design of our democratic system to self-correct.

I remain committed and convinced that a New Nigeria is POssible. Our aspiration for a nation of equity, justice, security, and peace can hardly be a utopia. We are a nation blessed richly with human and natural resources. What we lack, are selfless leaders who are committed to national interest, sustainable development, and innovative thinking that offers every Nigerian irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or social strata, the freedom of choice of abode, and protection of lives, property, and ordered liberties. These aspirations are real and achievable, and I hereby reiterate my promise to Nigerians that we will not relent in our fight to bring about leadership that will accord them the priority they deserve.

Let me, therefore, on behalf of the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement across the globe wish all Nigerians a happy democracy day. 

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has hinted on possible appointment of the former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, as the new National Security Adviser (NSA).

The former Minister of Aviation, in a post on personal Twitter handle on Monday, shared pictures of himself, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Ribadu among others.

“Had a great afternoon with my brothers Senator Mohammed Hassan, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (our incoming NSA) and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu) today. We had a wonferful time. Thanks be to God,” he wrote.

However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yet to make any official appointment following that of former Benue State Governor, George Akume, who was appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

Meanwhile, Fani-Kayode had in a tweet last week lambasted critics of Ribadu, who retired as a police officer, describing them as ignorant.

He tweeted: “Those that say only a military man can handle the position of NSA are ignorant.

https://twitter.com/realFFK/status/1665251181420068864?t=dcHna-svJF2N715g_zZAow&s=19

“Amongst the best that held that position in our history were retired police and/or intelligence officers such as Umaru Shinkafi, Gambo Jimeta and Ismaila Gwarzo.

“I have no doubt that my brother Nuhu Ribadu, who is a retired police officer, once confirmed as NSA, will acquit himself well and follow in the footsteps of these three reverred men.”

Manchester City have now toppled Chelsea as the fourth most successful English team following their Champions League triumph.

City lifted their first ever major European title thanks to a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan on Saturday night.

They also became the second team to win the Treble, after rivals Manchester United in 1999, and moved up the list of England’s most successful clubs.

City now have 26 major trophies, overtaking Chelsea’s 25, and they are now hot on the heels of Arsenal, who have 31.

Liverpool are the most successful team with 45 trophies, ahead of Manchester United who have won 43 major titles.

The most trophies won by English clubs:

Liverpool 45
Man Utd 43
Arsenal 31
Man City 26
Chelsea 25
Aston Villa 20
Tottenham 17
Everton 15
Newcastle 11
Blackburn 10

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was sworn in as the President of Nigeria on May 29, 2023, following his victory in the February 25 presidential elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Tinubu celebrating his first democracy day as the President of Nigeria on Monday, June 12, and address the people of the country by 7:00 am.

This mark the first official nationwide broadcast to Nigerians since President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

Below are some major steps and actions President Tinubu has taken since he assumed office about thirteen days ago.

1. Implemented the fuel subsidy removal regime.

2. Held a security meeting with the nation’s service chiefs, heads of security agencies, and the National Security Adviser (NSA).

3. The President appointed Femi Gbajabiamila as his Chief of Staff and also named Senator George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

4. He held a meeting with all Governors of the 36 states of the federation.

5. He mandated the National Economic Council (NEC) led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to work out the modalities on palliatives for subsidy.

6. Signed the Bill increasing the retirement age for Judicial officers.

7. Reached an agreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leading to the suspension of the planned national strike over fuel subsidy removal.

8. Selected and got Senate approval for the appointment of 20 special advisers.

9. Signed the 2023 Electricity Bill Act.

10. Held a meeting with traditional rulers in the country.

11. Suspended Godwin Emefiele as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Less than 48 hours to the election of new leaders of the 10th National Assembly, Senators-elect Abdulaziz Yari has reportedly moved ahead of Godswill Akpabio in the race for Senate President.

With more senators-elect reportedly pledging loyalty to Yari, Akpabio’s camp had claimed that senators-elect were financially induced to move en masse to Yari’s camp.

Recall that Akpabio’s camp had on Saturday night met at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. The meeting was reported to be a flop with abysmal attendance.

It was gathered that lawmakers-elect across parties have expressed a preference for the Yari/Orji Uzor Kalu camp.

Speaking to Daily Independent, a member of the Yari camp described the allegation of financial inducement as “not only false, laughable but also unfortunate, irresponsible and a feeble resort to falsehood and smear campaign which is unbecoming of any individual that wants to lead an institution as important as the Senate.”

He stated that Senators-elect are already made, respected, contented, very responsible, and independent-minded individuals who cannot be compromised or induced.

“Senators-elect across the camps see this allegation as a deliberate smear on our individual and collective reputation, integrity, and image,” the lawmaker-elect added.

Also, a Senator-elect from the South-South, who left Akpabio’s camp, described the allegation as false.

He disclosed that senators-elect are queuing behind Yari out of conviction and not influenced by any financial inducement, stressing that the senators-elect are not at home with Akpabio due to their belief that he cannot lead the Senate in addition to his damaging allegation without proof, that National Assembly members were hugely benefiting from large contracts in the NDDC.

“I left Sen. Akpabio because I came to realize that he doesn’t have the capacity and required regard for the institution of the legislature. Many of us have that impression. It is our conviction, and we have the right to our own opinion.

“It is rather unfortunate that instead of accepting defeat and respecting the opinion of senators-elect, they are coming out with allegations of financial inducement. Senators-elect see this as a huge insult to us. How can a senator-elect label and smear his own colleagues? It is unfortunate.

“That was how Senator Akpabio accused members of the National Assembly of benefiting from large contracts in the NDDC without a proof. These are issues of integrity,” he said.

Elder statesman and Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark, says he won’t comment much on the Bola Tinubu presidency until the conclusion of the election petitions tribunal where the outcome of the February 25 presidential poll is being challenged.

Clark stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja ahead of the 30th anniversary of the annulment of June 12 presidential election.

Asked for his views about the Tinubu presidency, which got underway on May 29, Clark said, “I don’t want to commend on that because the election tribunals are still sitting.

“I don’t want to make statements that are prejudicial. So, let the law take its normal course.”

Clark supported and endorsed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, who emerged third in the election and has gone to the election tribunal to challenge declaration of Tinubu as the poll winner.

Meanwhile, on June 12, the 96-year-old Clark said government must ensure a peaceful country where citizens are guaranteed equality before the law.

He said, “We all desire that we live in a country that is peaceful, that is free from crisis, security and economic challenges and low corruption level.

“Corruption in the country is so high, which I always say since 2014, that government should declare a state of emergency on corruption.

“The rate at which corruption is going on in the country is terrible where every arm of government cannot be trusted.

“We want a Nigeria where all of us live together peacefully and there is no discrimination and we should all obey the provision of the constitution, which states there should be no state religion.

“There should be no promotion of a particular religion over and above others.

“When we were in the 2014 National Conference as an elder statesman, we made a lot of recommendations for the survival of Nigeria as a country.

“A united country free from crisis, where all the citizens are equal before the law and anyone of them can rise to any position you want to lead,” he said.

Nigeria's downstream oil regulator has alleged ExxonMobil Corp was involved in the illegal lifting of petroleum products from an offshore terminal, according to a letter of complaint to the petroleum ministry seen by Reuters.

Exxon denied the accusation, saying in an emailed response that its "operations are carried out in full compliance with the law".

Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said in the letter that Barumk Gas, a shipping vessel, was lifting butane from the ExxonMobil-controlled Bonny River Terminal without its "authorization or participation".

According to the law, the regulator is the only one allowed to have a key to the oil valve and companies need to be accompanied by a member of the regulatory staff to tap the oil.

"The actions of ExxonMobil and Barumk Gas constitute economic sabotage, criminal damage and theft of Nigeria's national resources," NMDPRA Chief Executive Farouk Ahmed said in the letter dated June 8.

He said Barumk Gas should be stopped from sailing out until an investigation was conducted.

Refinitiv data showed Barumk Gas was fully loaded at the Bonny Terminal.

The Petroleum Ministry and NMDPRA did not respond to requests for comment.

In November last year, a Nigerian court charged 26 men with conspiracy to commit a maritime offence and attempting to illegally deal in crude oil after authorities accused their supertanker of sailing in Nigerian waters without authority.

Oil majors in Nigeria have in the past been forced to halt output following the illegal tapping of pipelines.

Reuters

Nigeria lost $46.16bn to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020, while it lost $10.7bn annually to subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, the Energy and Natural Resources subcommittees of the Advisory Council of President Bola Tinubu, has revealed.

A summation of the amounts lost to oil theft and subsidy indicated that the country lost a total of $56.86bn, going by figures released in the Policy Advisory Council Report, dated May 2023, which was prepared when Tinubu was still President-elect. 

On highlights of economic and sector challenges in the report, the council also stated that $70bn worth of investments was lost in the petroleum industry since 2011 due to the absence of the Petroleum Industry Act.

The PIA was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, after dragging for decades as a bill at the National Assembly.

The report further pointed out that at seven per cent, Nigeria’s revenue to Gross Domestic Product ratio was among the five lowest in the world.

It read in part, “Insecurity is a major sector challenge. $46.16bn was lost to crude oil theft between 2009 and 2020. $10.70bn lost annually to PMS subsidy and inefficiencies associated with the purchase, distribution, and sale of PMS.

“Governance and regulatory concerns have eroded investor confidence, diverting private capital needed for the development of critical oil and gas infrastructure.

“Cumulatively, these have reduced the energy sector contribution to economic growth and deprived citizens of the necessary infrastructure and social amenities required for improving living standards.”

The council outlined some targets to be pursued by the President between 0 to 100 days, adding that there was a need to unify exchange rate window, reorganise the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission/Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

It said the reorganisation of the agencies would be to deliver set milestone goals, adding that there was a need to headhunt/place capable resources in critical positions.

“Head-hunt competent, tested, reform-focused leaders in NNPCL (Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited), ensuring its function as commercial entity per PIA (Petroleum Industry Act); paying taxes, royalties and profit to Federation Account and properly regulated by NUPRC/NMDPRA/NCDMB.

“Deregulate PMS pricing and implement Federal Direct Cash Transfer Programme. Signal determination to end insecurity in oil producing states (Imo, Delta, Ondo, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom) by engaging key political and community stakeholders

“Reform the operations of the military task force with clearly defined KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and consequent management to tackle deficiencies. Improve financing, agree on cash call arrears and debt repayment framework. Transition to market prices for gas,” the report stated.

On some of the things to execute within 18 to 24 month, the council advised the President to “mandate the NNPCL and NUPRC/NMDPRA to close out outstanding divestments and contract issues for project delivery clarity.

“Strip NNPCL of policy making roles and keep NCDMB within its Act mandate. Consider integrating NUPRC, NMDPRA, and NCDMB into a single regulator or include all midstream activities into NUPRC scope.”

The council called for the expansion of domestic gas reserves and the promotion of the development of a diversified oil and gas industry by implementing reforms in the PIA including “network code.”

It advised the President to develop a sustainable financing model, and to facilitate a third-party gas pricing framework for export market.

The council recommended that the President should enact fiscal enablers for natural gas and deepwater via the Finance Act, and expand stabilisation in the PIA to cover full credit for post FID (final investment decision) levies and taxes.

This Day in History: June 12, 1993. Today, June 12, is exactly three decades since Nigerians went to the polls to elect a new President in the Third Republic of the country’s Democratic journey. That Presidential election was the first since the 1983 military coup that swept away the Second Republic politicians. June 12, 1993, is undoubtedly a watershed in Nigeria’s political history.

June 12, 1993, thirty years ago was a date with history, It was a day Nigerians came together regardless of tribe or religion – it was a time when many of our citizens and progressive minds coalesced to birth ‘A New Nigeria’ and sacrificed their comfort to dream actualization for both present and unborn generation. It was a stillborn baby of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO). Hope ’93 was truncated by the headmasters of the vultures.

HOPE ’93, was the harbinger of a series of good tidings that was on the way coming before the reactionary forces scuttled the JOY of NIGERIANS. The message was very clear; eradication of POVERTY. He said in his campaign for HOPE: “No citizen of our dear nation Nigeria is permitted to go to bed on an empty stomach.” MKO, as he was fondly called, was a man of sharp intellect, witty and rare sagacity. He was the pillar of sport in Africa. For those who do not know, the phase was a time when arguably the freest and fairest election took place in our nation’s democratic process. Nonetheless, the euphoria was short-lived.

Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), championed Hope ’93: farewell to poverty: how to make Nigeria a better place for all – it signposts the beginning of an era. Sadly the situation of our citizens is in a precarious state. No food, no light, and the other life-threatening issues confronting the nation as a result of the rodents and vultures in high places. Hope ’93 was truncated, in a similar way by which recently former President Olusegun Obasanjo tried albeit unsuccessfully to call for the cancellation of the presidential election results which was part of a grand orchestration to truncate the nation’s democracy.

Before I continue, permit me to share with us the characteristics of a vulture: physically and socially, the vulture is a clumsy creature, and its unusual features border on homeliness. Vultures are large birds that do not hunt for food. Instead, they feed on the remains of dead bodies. In Africa, vultures eat far more meat than all predators put together. Vultures are heavy birds, they have large, powerful feet that are strong enough to bear their weight when walking on the ground.

More relatively, In the words of Albert Chinụalụmọgụ Achebe; a Nigerian novelist, poet, and critic who is regarded as a central figure of modern African literature. In Chinua Achebe’s “Vultures,” a pair of grim birds nuzzling each other after devouring a rotting corpse becomes a metaphor for the uneasy fact that human beings are equally capable of love and evil. Just as vultures can feast on death and still cuddle, the poet observes, the man who runs a Nazi death camp might pick up chocolates for his beloved children on the way home; cruelty and tenderness can coexist in the same person.

Achebe had describe the birds themselves and paints a grim image of them, having already described them as harbingers, a word closely associated with the bringing of death; he describes them as having “bashed-in head” and “gross feathers” and later in the final line. He describes them as having “cold telescopic eyes” giving the birds an almost mechanical feel. It suggests they shouldn’t even really be classed as a bird. Whether that’s cause for hope or despair, the novelist can’t quite decide—but despair seems more likely.

Admittedly, our leadership recruitment process is faulty and needs serious reforms. It has produced more of the vulture’s attributes than selfless and patriotic leadership. Unfortunately, the mindsets of an average Nigerian are not different from the leaders we criticized for our state of despondency. Thus, making it extremely difficult for tangible progress unless we as well as the leadership at all levels change from our old ways and embrace a new approach to our national re-birth reorientation and values.

It is thus, imperative, that in solemnity and the spirit of healing, we come together regardless of the past to honor our heroes, particularly, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO), his late wife Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Anthony Enahoro, Beko Ramsome-Kuti, Gani Fawehinmi, Frank Ovie Kokori, Ndubuisi Kanu. Living legends Wole Soyinka, Ayo Adebanjo, Ayo Opadokun, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Falana, Yele Sowore, and many more. On this day, our democracy day, if we are determined to honor our heroes by changing our ways, by rewriting the pages of my beautifully imperfect life – this would give succor to the less-privileged in the nation.

In conclusion, never again should we have a situation that is deceitful and making our beloved country and her citizens become an object of mockery and feeding on ignorance. Such as exemplified by the recent activities of some disgruntled elements pushing for change through unorthodox means. But I’d maintain that the only reason why such idiocy gains currency among young Nigerians (including otherwise discerning older people who support and encourage such nonsense because it aligns with their hateful sentiment) is beyond these guys. The mass gullibility speaks to deeper systemic issues.

Finally, I must place on record, the profound words of Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Oyeniyi Awolowo GCFR; a Nigerian nationalist and statesman who played a key role in Nigeria’s independence movement (1957-1960). Awo posited: “Peter, not Peter the Apostle, but Peter the hero of Hugh Walpole’s novel entitled “Fortitude” said: “It isn’t life that matters but the courage you bring to it.” this is an encouragement to us as well as motivation for patriotism.

CONGRATULATIONS NIGERIANS! HAPPY DEMOCRACY DAY!!

Richard Odusanya
Mind Restructuring Enthusiast

Today is exactly 30 years after the June 12, 1993 presidential election which were annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida military regime.

On June 18, six days after the election, my media colleague and brother, Kayode Komolafe, came to my house with a copy of the full election results being uploaded by the electoral commission.

Businessman and friend of Babangida, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, had won the election with 58 per cent. Then, on June 23, 1993, Babangida announced the annulment of the election, claiming there had been vote-buying. The annulment of an election generally perceived to be the freest and fairest in the country’s history, set off six years of bloody resistance against continued military misrule.

A narrative gives a lot of credit to politicians for that glorious resistance which led to civil rule on May 29, 1999. This does not reflect the complete history of that struggle. There were actually three eras of that war corresponding to the regimes of Babangida, Shonekan and Abacha, and the political class was virtually absent in the first two.

The civil movement whose expression vibrated in the voice of towering lawyer, Alao Aka-Bashorun, was convinced that the military was merely deceiving the populace with a bogus transition programme. After a layer of presidential hopefuls had been swept away by military fiat, Abiola and Bashir Tofa were allowed to contest the June 12 election.

While Abiola and his group thought they could persuade the military to de-annul the election, the civil movement which had started off in 1990 as the National Consultative Forum, NCF, transformed into a broad national coalition of anti-military forces which included student, youth, professional, market, community and civil society organisations. It was renamed the Campaign for Democracy, CD. Its transition leadership passed from Aka-Bashorun to the medical doctor, Beko Ransome-Kuti.

The CD began mobilising for mass protests across the country to force the military out. But it had two challenges. The first was how to contain the murderous military and minimise the inevitable casualties. The second was how to persuade the political class that did not want to confront the military, not to side the regime. To overcome the second challenge, CD leaders, including Beko, Olisa Agbakoba, Frederick Fasehun, Femi Falana and I held meetings with Abiola to get a commitment that even if he would not support the nationwide protests, he should at least not denounce us.

The protests were overwhelming across the country. In Lagos where we hoped to get some 50,000 protesters, the streets were clogged with millions of people. The Babangida regime panicked and ordered its Army Chief, General Sani Abacha, to take back the streets by force. Abacha led a long military convoy into Lagos which opened fire on all human beings in sight beginning with youths who were playing football in Apakun/Toyota, Oshodi. That July 6, 1993, the Nigeria Medical Association compiled a figure of 118 corpses brought to the general hospitals in Lagos. They had gunshot wounds with most shot in the back which indicated they were running away when shot.

Despite these huge losses and the arrest of many, including Beko and Gani Fawenmi, we continued the protests. Tragically on the day of the massacres, Abiola denounced us in a public statement. He said his mandate was given without bloodshed so he did not want to reclaim it with bloodshed. Two weeks later, we asked Nigerians to sit at home, and the nation’s streets were deserted.

The continued defiance by the populace, forced the Babangida regime to hand over to a military contraption called the Interim National Government, ING, headed by Ernest Shonekan.

Its primary purpose was to organise new elections supervised by the compromised military. But Abiola said the June 12 election was like a derailed train; so until it was cleared, no other train could use the tracks. He turned to the CD to stop the new election process. Beko, Fasehun and I met Abiola’s representative, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his office. It was decided that I coordinated the disruption of the ING’s voters registration and review exercise which was necessary for the planned election. We succeeded in doing so across the country and the tottering ING which was later declared illegal by the courts, just needed a push to collapse. But Abiola disagreed with our plans to employ the mass to force the ING out and install him. The alternative he went for was a military coup by alleged pro-June 12 Generals like Oladipo Diya, Chris Ali and Abacha. We disagreed with the coup and after he met new Head of State, Abacha with Diya and Tinubu as witnesses, we met and warned him to stop his support for the new regime, including his agreement to provide it credible politicians as ministers. But he told us that Abacha was a dwarf, and to greet a dwarf, one had to bend down to his level. It was after it became clear that Abacha and his gang were not going to de-annul the June 12 election and swear him in as President in accordance with their understanding, that the politicians joined the struggle to oust the military from power. It was in that process the National Democratic Coalition, NADECO, coalesced. NADECO itself had origins in the meetings of the CD and old experienced politicians led by Chief Alfred Rewane with Chief Anthony Enahoro as Deputy. Others included Chiefs Ayo Adebanjo, Ajise and Cornelius Adebayo. After Rewane was murdered in his Ikeja GRA residence where we used to meet, Enahoro led an expanded group and we began meeting mainly in Abiola’s house with Alhaja Kudirat Abiola as hostess. Despite Abacha’s murder of Kudirat, and many like Enahoro, Dan Suleiman, Wole Soyinka and Tinubu forced into exile, the forces that would see the backs of the military had been born.

Let me on this day, pay tribute to two virtually unacknowledged heroes of the democratic struggles. Prince Ademola Adeniji- Adele who was crucial in keeping Abiola safe when the military dictatorship declared him wanted, better dead than alive; and who contributed funds to keep the streets alive for June 12. His undoing was that he later joined the Abacha transition programme. Then there was Chief Rasheed Abiodun Gbadamosi, economist, writer and an assumed apolitical industrialist who when the goons closed in on Abiola, and people were afraid to give him shelter, took the June 12 presidential election winner to his Victoria Island home. One night, when it appeared his home might be compromised, Gbadamosi got Abiola to climb the fence and shelter in the adjacent premises which he also owned.

My salute to these heroes and heroines and hundreds like Bagauda Kaltho who lost their lives in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.