![[OPINION] Flames Of June 4, 1979 & The Nostalgic Of June 12, 1993 - Richard Odusanya](/media/k2/items/cache/d5fe687f206c75cb6d0146dc45f7e2ca_XL.jpg)
Historically speaking and, reminiscing 45 years ago; the June 4th Revolution or June 4th Uprising was an uprising in Ghana in 1979 that arose due to a conflict between the lower ranks and officers in the Ghana armed forces. The revolution (a popular uprising), began when the military government of the Supreme Military Council (SMC II), consisting of Lieutenant General Fred Akuffo, put Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings on public trial for attempting to overthrow the government on May 15, 1979. Interestingly, the failed coup had happened because Rawlings, a junior soldier in the Ghanaian Army, and other Ghanaian soldiers were not given their salaries. Hence, the popular uprising and subsequently the arrest and release from prison custody which ultimately provided the platform for Rawlings to turned the trial against the government by accusing it of massive corruption and requesting his fellow accused to be set free as he was solely responsible for the mutiny. He was publicly sentenced to death and imprisoned.
Consequently, on the night of June 3rd, 1979, junior military officers, including Major Boakye Djan, broke into the jail where Rawlings was held and helped free him. They then marched him to the national radio station to make an announcement. The first time the public heard from Rawlings was a statement that Rawlings had been released by the junior officers and that he was under their command. He requested all soldiers to meet with him at the Nicholson Stadium in Burma Camp, in Accra. Afterwards, the soldiers rounded up senior military officers including three former heads of state, General Fred Akuffo, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong and Akwasi Afrifa for trial. They were executed by a firing squad. This is the very beginning of what I considered "reward for ingenuity and brave leadership" across the continent of Africa.
Today, 45 years after, it is, with nostalgia that we remember the patriotic zeal that gave birth to JUNE 4, that cannot be extinguished, any attempt to compromised on the ideals of PROBITY, ACCOUNTABILITY and INTEGRITY in our everyday lives is an attempt to sniff out the light that was lit 45 years ago. Let us honor the memories of those who laid down their lives LIBERATING GHANA."- JOHN JERRY RAWLINS 'JJR'.
On the other hand, history was made on June 12, 1993. MKO Abiola becomes the symbol of democracy in Nigeria. Presidential elections were held in Nigeria on 12 June 1993, the first since the 1983 military coup ended the country's Second Republic. The elections was the outcome of a transitional process to civilian rule spearheaded by the military ruler, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. Furthermore, the then unofficial but recently officially recognized result of the election – though not declared by the National Electoral Commission (NEC) – indicated a victory for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).
Unarguably, Abiola's support in the June 1993 presidential election cut across all geo-political zones and religious divisions. He was among a few politicians to accomplish such influence during his time. By the time of his demise, he had become an unexpected symbol of democracy. MKO's outing in the 1993 presidential election was not only a reflection of his popularity but also a measure of his message of HOPE. Bashorun Abiola's story resonated with those of the average struggling Nigerians.
Undoubtedly, what we have witnessed, thus far, failed the test of the flames of June 4, 1979 and the nostalgic of June 12, 1993. Therefore, today, as we ruminate on the sacrifice and price paid by our heroes, particularly John Jerry Rawlings (JJR) and Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola MKO). It is important to reevaluate our actions and inactions as we celebrate today with the good people of the republic of Ghana and in a few days time Nigerians will also be in similar celebration mood despite the unpleasant current situation in our beloved country Nigeria.
In conclusion, permit me to share with you the profound words of Dr Anthony Agbons an academic, strategist, policy expert, a Senior Lecturer, at Anglia Ruskin University, London. Who has numerous publications on Leadership and Governance, an on-air international media personality. Tony profoundly posited: "The difference between a society that works for the happiness of majority of its citizens and societies that punish its citizens is strong institutions ipso facto. The people of Nigeria must coalesce, advocate and push for an egalitarian society where fairness, equity, and justice reign supreme."
Richard Odusanya
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