The streets of Osogbo, Osun State, reverberated with the echoes of protest on a Thursday, marking the 32nd anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, a victory rightfully belonging to Chief Moshood Abiola. A vibrant procession of human rights activists, students, and market women, clad in the symbolic green and white of the Nigerian flag, marched from Ayetoro Area to Olaiya Junction, their voices a powerful chorus demanding good governance. The three-kilometer demonstration snarled traffic along the Ayetoro/Old Garage/Olaiya Junction road, a physical manifestation of the protesters’ determination to disrupt the status quo and be heard. Under the watchful eye of armed police, the march, led by Mr. Waheed Lawal, chairman of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition, underscored the urgency of their demands for a better Nigeria.
The protesters’ grievances extended beyond the historical injustice of the annulled election. Their pleas encompassed a broad spectrum of issues plaguing the nation. They called for genuine electoral reforms, advocating for the removal of executive influence over election management institutions. They decried the pervasive insecurity gripping various states, including Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, and Zamfara, and demanded the prosecution of bandits and their sponsors. The rising cost of living, fueled by escalating pump prices and electricity tariffs, was another point of contention. The protesters urged a reversal to pre-May 2023 fuel prices and a reduction in the cost of essential commodities. They championed the cause of unemployed youths, demanding job creation initiatives. Furthermore, they called for fiscal responsibility in government spending, proposing that political office holders earn minimum wage, and advocating for the replacement of student loans with study grants. The demand for proper funding of public schools, from primary to tertiary levels, completed their comprehensive call for change.
The protest served as a platform for various voices to articulate their specific concerns. Waheed Saka, Convener of Dialogue 356, and Wole Oladapo of Nigerians for Good Governance, both highlighted the deplorable state of the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. Saka lamented the obsolete facilities, inadequate staffing, and lack of motivation among existing personnel. He also criticized the political deadlock between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which had resulted in the closure of local government secretariats since February, further exacerbating the suffering of the people. Saka expressed a poignant sentiment, suggesting that the late MKO Abiola would have regretted his fight for democracy, given the current state of affairs in the country.
Oladapo echoed Saka’s concerns, decrying the poor social welfare and lack of basic infrastructure after over two decades of uninterrupted democratic rule. He accused both state and federal governments of misplaced priorities, citing the reliance of the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital on generators due to its disconnection from the national grid. He painted a bleak picture of public schools lacking teachers, dilapidated roads, and the poor quality of food available to ordinary Nigerians. The proposed 5% tax on petrol, he argued, would only exacerbate the hardship faced by the masses. He questioned the rationale behind such policies, asking what sins the Nigerian people had committed to deserve such treatment.
The protesters’ frustration was palpable, their words laced with disillusionment and anger. They felt betrayed by the leaders who were supposed to serve them, questioning the purpose of a democracy that failed to deliver on its promises. The anniversary of the annulled June 12 election became a symbol of the unfulfilled aspirations of a nation yearning for good governance, accountability, and a better life. The juxtaposition of the historic injustice with the current socio-economic challenges highlighted the continuity of struggle and the ongoing fight for the realization of the democratic ideals for which Abiola stood. The protest was not merely a commemoration of the past; it was a resounding call for a better future, a demand for the dividends of democracy that had long been denied to the Nigerian people.
The protest in Osogbo reflects a broader sentiment of discontent across Nigeria. The issues raised – from electoral reforms and insecurity to economic hardship and inadequate public services – resonate with many citizens. The protesters’ call for good governance, accountability, and respect for human rights represents a fundamental desire for a more just and equitable society. Their actions serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of holding leaders accountable for their promises. The legacy of June 12 continues to inspire the fight for democracy and a better future for all Nigerians.
