By
Sulaiman Kazeem
12|06|18.
12|06|18.
We respect M. Kashimawo Abiola, even in death, because he did
not run away from the battle field. He died with his boots and medal of honor
ON. Indeed, he died a FIGHTER.
Exactly 25 years ago, precisely on the 12th Of June,
1993, the Nigerian people met at the polls and voted for HOPE (Farewell To
Poverty), in a general election that was absorbed as the freest and fairest in
the Nigerian history. Unfortunately, 'the evil genius' Head Of States, General
Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, decided to deoxidize Nigerians quest to have a
democratically elected government, by annulling the results of an Election
Chief MKO had won by a simple majority. It was assumed that he won over 58% of
the total votes cast, and in more than 20 States of the Federation.
Inarguably, that inhumane treatment on MKO was
welcomed by vindictive reactions from aggrieved Nigerians across the country,
most especially from his ardent supporters and well meaning Nigerians in the
Southwest. Till today, the decision made by Gen. IBB to unjustly annul the June
12, 1993 elections remain a shadow in our democratic history.
To our bewilderment, MKO was incarcerated by his own
trusted friend, treated with no honor, and later murdered in cold blood. Sad,
today is also a reminder of the day protesters were shot at sight and their
properties destroyed.
Oh, on the 4th Of June, 1996, his killers actually
went ahead to assassinate his 45 years old beloved wife and activist, Mrs.
Kudirat Abiola, who never stopped demanding for justice for the assassination
of her husband. Yes, we know MKO's killers but never did we think that they had
plans to assassinate his darling wife.
Today, in commemoration of the 25 years remembrance of
'Hope '93', the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration has deemed it fit
to declare June 12 as our democracy day celebration, confer on late Chief MKO,
the title of Posthumous GCFR and Posthumous GCON on his running mate and pay
their benefits.
No doubt, this decision was welcomed by criticism from
people who felt that it has political coloration and still wish to see his
killers brought to book, but it got accolades from those who have decided to
see its beautiful part. Well, I must agree that it is a progressive decision
and duly welcomed by the Nigerian people. Especially, members of his family and
the Yoruba people.
Today, again, we remember him as one of our heroes
past and martyr of democracy, not just because Chief MKO was among those who
fought for Nigeria's Independence but because he did his best to sustained the
voice of the oppressed.
No matter what today's compensations are and what is
yet to come, the scars that his well orchestrated assassination left in our
hearts will remain forever.
We may have short memories, but we know some of our
present leaders who were accomplice to that inhumanity. But, VENGEANCE IS OF
GOD.
Twitter: @Steam_NG
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