Ikweremadu and the New Yam Festival in Germany

A very funny drama happened in Germany a few days ago. Many have spoken in favor and against the incident.
It was the former Senate President, Ike Ikweremadu that was embarrassed in Nuremberg, Germany. The Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) leader had  claimed responsibility for the unfortunate incident on behalf of IPOB. He even went ahead threatening all other Igbo political leaders with a similar or worse treatment whenever they go to the West. Femi Fani Kayode in a seemingly word of encouragement had defused the possible arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the dastard act saying that the German Police is not investigating the matter, hence, haven't made any arrest. This is in a response, perhaps, to the call made by the Nigerian Senate for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
Now, irrespective of what you think... whether you agree it was a justified action, a kind of little pay back for the insensitivity of those in power or you are with me in condemning the act as a barbaric and savagery attempt to get even with 'corrupt politicians',I will like to make the following submissions.

It Doesn't Change Anything

Yes, IPOB might have scored a point with the way they have treated the distinguished senator. But, I can assure you that it is not only a very WRONG point but a dirt CHEAP one at that! No, seriously, just because you attacked him at the venue of a ceremony that he was probably invited to attend, does not stop him from visiting again on personal ground. What I think won't happen again is that he attends any other function without well detailed personal security that would prevent a repeat of what happened in Nuremberg. This is why I think it's wrong and very cheap signal...it's a fore-warning to other Igbo political leaders never to attend a public function abroad without the availability of personal bodyguards! 

It Creates A Very Tense Atmosphere
When Ikweremadu arrived at the function, he didn't bother about the security details because he was visiting a home outside his home...his Kiths and Kins had invited him to celebrate the New Yam festival with them, he trusted that everything would be put in place especially SECURITY! Even if he wouldn't to admit it in public, he's disappointed in the organizers of the occasion for the potential lynching he would have suffered in the hands of the IPOB thugs.

The Message is well received by other Igbo political leaders who would find it extremely difficult to mix and mingle with their people for fear of their lives. The Atmosphere in no doubt very tense now...the political leaders are expected to be more defensive and less available to the public. They shall thinking of building a protective fortress around themselves and their families now. Things are going to be a little more difficult for the people at home...thanks to the actions of the IPOB leaders!     

It Might Make The Leaders More Desperate To Cling To Power!
A possible dire consequence of what the IPOB thugs have done is to drive fear into the hearts of the political elite...the fear of being lynched after the expiration of their tenure in office. This might lead to an in increase in their desperate move to remain in the corridor of power for live thereby making it extremely difficult to employ new hands or young bloods to take charge of the affairs of the people. To add salt to sore, it is this same IPOB that would discourage thousands if not millions of eligible voters from voting during elections!What an Irony!
I wouldn't blame any Igbo Politician who would fight tooth and nail to remain in power and in relevance politically now as it has become a matter of life and death. No on won die na!

The Ballot is The Only Way If Truly You Want Them Out!
I'm sorry, but, sometimes, I cannot but question the loyalty and dedication of Namdi Kanu to the Biafra cause. I mean, this near lynching of Ikwremadu seem to have buttressed this fact. For God sake, Ikweremadu was among the few guys that secured Kanu's bail from DSS custody and have been made to face the consequences of the bail since Kanu jumped bail by fleeing to Israel or wherever he fled to. With a guy like Ikweremadu, one would think that Kanu had a better chance at legally realizing the Biafra dream. He could have used him and other political allies of his (Ekweremadu) to install pro Biafra politicians as  the political leaders from the South East or...at least the majority of the Political posts from the East. But, now, he has blown it!
With the Numbers that IPOB claim to have in the South East, if it's anything to go by, they can easily take charge of the whole East...especially with the aid of well exposed and experienced politicians like Ike Ikweremadu, Okorocha, Orji Uzo Kalu  among other political heavy weights of Igbo extractions. It simple and direct that I don't want to believe that he (Kanu) doesn't know about it all and the more reason why I so much question his sincerity about the Biafrian cause!

Some Say It's Karma!
While everyone is talking for or against the incident, there's a third that is less concerned. To them, it is the Law of Karma that have caught up with the Political elites. according to this third party, politicians from the East 'created' Kanu and Radio Biafra to manipulate the Nigerian political atmosphere in their favor...they have been using him and Radio Biafra to create and spread such evil and contagious propaganda like the 'Marginalization of the Igbos' which is still the subject matter for the IPOB members.
They continue telling the whole world that they are marginalized despite the fact that there's hardly a part of the country that doesn't play host to the Igbos and no one hinders their financial prosperity. The Igbos have established businesses in the nooks and crannies of the country just like every other citizens. The only hindrance they have being facing is the political hindrance which is a result of unpredictability of an average Igbo man. Groups like MASSOB and IPOB too poses a major hindrance to the Presidency of the Igbos. This (Presidency of the Igbos) is the only feat they haven't achieved and truth be told, the recent actions of the IPOB have worsen the case for them! 

God Bless Nigeria!

5 MAJOR Reasons Why RevolutionNow Protest Failed

I knew that the Protest would fail right from the moment I heard of it. My sentiments were based on the following points:

The Personality of Sowore
If any protest is to be taken seriously, I don't know in some other climes, but, here, in Nigeria, the person leading the Protest matters a lot! Sowore was the Least qualified for the Job. The Fact that he was one of the candidates that contested the just concluded Presidential elections disqualifies him as any noise he makes from the conclusion of the elections and like a year or two from now could be easily dismissed as mere ranting over his loss in the Presidential elections. It was a big blunder on his part to have conceived the idea of leading the protest.

Calling the Protest a Revolution
The last thing that anybody all over the world, especially, those in government would like to hear is the word 'Revolution'. Sowore should have known better. The tagged name is a bad market...'Revolution Now', Haba! Subhanallah!!!
How do you expect the DSS to fold its arm and watch you set the country ablaze, oga? E no dey work like that. There's a BIG difference between a protest and a revolution. Whether you are armed or not initially, it doesn't matter, that was how most of the protests turned war in the Arab world started. They came unarmed but they encroached and actually trespassed beyond the lines drawn for them by security personnel, the security officers reacted to the disobedience, they felt provoked and angry, then violent, the Police tries to disperse them with tear gas, they refused to bulge, instead, they felt more provoked and started talking hard, before you know it, someone...someone from among the protesters threw the first 'stone', the officers retaliated and that's it...it goes out of control. This is why I hate protests...THEY ARE NEVER PEACEFUL!
 They may start peacefully, but, when the numbers swell...most times, more than expected by the organizers, they loose control, but, they can't admit it. Criminal elements join the protest and gradually increase the tempo...with time they take charge from the original organizers and turn peaceful protesters into a mob! This is the case most of the time!
Some claim the DSS hid under the guise of the coined name of the Protest to arrest Sowore. I'm stating it categorically that they don't have to hide, revolution means forceful take over of government which is a far cry from the meaning and purpose of a peaceful protest whose main aim is the presentation of grievances and making of demands. Please, let us be guided. I would accuse the security agents of negligence if the protest was allowed to go on with that name tag without making arrests! 

The Timing was Awful!
The Arab Spring is still fresh in our memories and the Ugly stories that followed it are still trending. Let alone the fact that the current administration is battling seriously with numerous security challenges that are capable of compromising our sovereignty. It's a miracle that we still manage to keep it together. The Boko Haram is still there...then came, suddenly, the issue of killer herdsmen, then came the issue of cattle rustling/banditry and then kidnappers' activities made the whole thing so scary and almost unbearable. Now, tell me, with the kind of picture I've painted above, is it right to stage a protest of that magnitude at these very trying times?
It's like being provoked to a level that's very close to one's limits by one's parents and wife and one is trying so very hard not to burst out in anger, then, your first child, a teenager, comes around to accuse you of being such a 'bad dad' for not paying his school fees on time, what would you do abeg???
Such protests as this, whereby the demands of the Protesters are not pressing needs that require urgent interventions like the Minimum wage implementation (they are the same old stories we already know and still struggling very hard to manage) ordinarily would fail...it's not rocket science...it's a matter of common sense!

The Demands are a 'Wish-Wash'!
As stated earlier, I, personally, hate protests for their uselessness. Instead of coming out en mass to carry placards, I prefer calling people to resolve the problems our own way. When I read some of the demands they were coming out to protest about, I was disappointed!
I mean, how can a youth like Sowore come out to shout shamelessly in public (in this JET AGE) about poor governance when he's supposed to be on the vanguard inspiring and helping the youths to connect and improve the general standard of living of Nigerians? He's exposed, he's well traveled, on top of that, he's a youth. It was quite disappointing that he came all out to prove IBB right when he said that the youths are not ready to take charge. Now, with the shameful and embarrassing conduct of Sowore, are we truly ready to take charge of the country?
Even me wey never commot from Nigeria before sabi say for this JET AGE and IT world, information and networking are key to rapid economic growth and development! A dedicated social website can be created online where we can meet to share our experience, expertise and vital information about what is currently on ground and how we can upgrade the living standard of the ordinary Nigeria to a much better one. With Social media and networking sites, we can create a gigantic and effective synergy to fund and run corporations that will effect the kind of changes we desire in Nigeria! Kai, nawa o!!!

Protest was Against the Wrong Party
Honestly, if you ask me, the Federal Government is doing EXCELLENTLY WELL as it stands today! It's the State and Local Governments that are not doing that much. This is why I think the Protest was directed towards the wrong party!
Nigeria's government, for the sake of efficiency was sub-divided into 3 namely, the Federal, State and Local governments. The Protest would have made a lot of sense if they were directed towards the state and local governments. These governments go to the FCT on monthly basis to collect allocations that are running into billions. Have you ever taken your time to check on what these billions are used for. This is apart from the internal generated revenues of the states and VAT revenues. What have they been doing with these monies? Nobody is asking!
The Funny thing is that these other 2 tiers of governments are expected to provide virtually the same sets of services that's expected of the Federal Government. I stand to be corrected, most of the security challenges and economic woes of this country are caused PRIMARILY by the inaction and irresponsible disposition of the state and local governments. Well...this is a topic for another day. The point I'm trying to make here is that the FG is not the right government to face...it's actually the State and Local governments who are far, far closer to us than the FG. If Sowore had faced the State governments that are yet to grant the LG's full autonomy as demanded by the FG, it would have been a great success!

At this juncture, I must, commend, the invaluable sacrifices of our Armed forces, the deliberate and unflinching resolve of the current administration never to give up and to fight to the end to ensure that the security of lives, properties and SANITY of the country is guaranteed. Thank you, for being there, REAL Nigerians are grateful and history would NEVER forget these your uncommon patriotic activities to keep the flag flying.

God Bless you,
God Bless Nigeria!!!  

Ordinary Nigerians and Nigerian Citizens

If all you do is to condemn and make mockery of Nigeria and anything Nigerian, then, you are a Nigerian. But, if you are the type that is optimistic and passionate about the Nigerian Project, you are a Nigerian Citizen. This definitions are according to my humble self!
It has become imperative to make such differentiation considering the 'Fulani Madness that has been making rounds among those we regard as elites and the ruling class! It (the Obsession about the Fulani man) keeps me wondering if these dudes are aware of the consequences of their speeches and actions. They are people that have traveled far and wide and tend to see themselves as authorities when it comes to good governance and politics. But, so far, all I see is a big disservice to the Nigerian project.

Ignorance or Selfish Interest?
Considering the media hype of so many conspiracy theories in recent times, a salient question that begs for an answer. Why are these dudes misbehaving so suddenly???
I'm sorry, but, what do you make of all the talks about the Fulani being a security threat to all ethnic groups of Nigeria, especially the Southern part of Nigeria, why the sudden alienation of the Fulani man, is it because Buhari is a Fulani? Are these so called leaders unaware of the nationality of the Fulani or they have forgotten that Nigeria is a sovereign country where people of diverse, culture, tribe and religion of Nigerian origin are free to live in any part of the country or they are just being mischievous and trying to manipulate the opinion of the people to satisfy their selfish interests???
I can't really tell for sure. But, whichever it is of the two, it is a great disservice to the people of Nigeria. I mean, these are guys that are supposed to inspire the people to do more in strengthening the chord of unity that binds the country together, instead, they are found promoting ethnic bias on a very large scale.
The most painful is the involvement of OBJ as a key promoter of this separatist move. This is a man that have ruled Nigerian both as a military Head of State and as a civilian. One fascinating thing about his times in government is that it was the Hausa/Fulani that helped him to power. If the Yorubas should have their way, he wouldn't get anywhere close to the corridor of power! Little wonder, some Hausa/Fulanis see Yorubas as Hypocrites and traitors!

Violence and Intolerance Solves No Problem
 Show me a problem that was resolved by violence and I shall show you a crisis that is bound to re-occur again! World War I led to World War II which was far more brutal. Some are predicting that there shall be a World War III, but, God forbids! The World War was largely fought and ended forcefully which left so many parties disgruntled especially Germany, Ottoman Empire and Japan. By the time the second World War was fought, the World Powers have learnt their lessons and would make efforts to create and maintain world peace through the creation of the United Nations...which was then as the League of Nations. In other words, the War ended with a dialogue!!!
The way our leaders have been handling the crisis between the herders and the local farmers leaves a lot to discern.This is why I very much question their sincerity of purpose! The Fulanis have been around for centuries, they come and go. They come around during the dry season when there are very little grass up North for grazing and return North wards as soon as the Rains are here for the fear of the  Tse-tse fly that are careers of the River Blindness parasite and the gradually restoration of grasses in the North. So, they are not new to us, neither are we to them!
Just as you have leaders, so do they. Therefore, one expects that issues bordering on misunderstanding should be resolved quietly and amicably among the traditional leaders of both parties. When they don't agree, they can get the Police involved and probably slug things out in court. This is the peaceful path to thread for peace loving leaders. But, the moment the local tries to flex their muscles and the guests too refuse to be intimidated, such crisis between the Fulani and the local Farmers that are plaguing the North Central are inevitable.

Politicizing the Crisis is a Great Disservice!
This crisis between the Fulani and local farmers have lingered on for decades and was gradually turning to a normal routine. It's highly embarrassing, however, to note that politicians have weighed into the crisis not to find a lasting solution to the crisis but to aggravating for selfish interests. A particular governor, for instance, is taking sides and raising security alarms to whip up public sentiments in his favor so as to hide his incompetence as governor and to mount unnecessary pressure on the National government simply because they belong to different political parties.
As mentioned earlier, these are crisis that have been there for decades if not centuries. The Politicians, with a collaboration with the Media launched a media hype concerning insecurity. They have managed to tag the Fulani herdsmen with all sorts of crimes...from armed robbery, to kidnapping to murder without concrete evidence. This has gradually created an atmosphere of intolerance for the Fulani man who some socio-cultural groups have shamelessly declared war on without hard evidence. With these shameful acts going on, I begin to wonder as to where is the so called education these self acclaimed heroes claim to have???

The Differences Between an Ordinary Nigerian and a Nigerian Citizen
From the definitions given above, the differences are very clear! Firstly, the ordinary Nigerian is a Nigerian simply because he was born a Nigerian but the Nigerian citizen is not only born a Nigerian, he is passionate about the Nigerian Project. 
The Nigerian citizen knows and understands the diversity in culture and religion of the many tribes and ethnic groups of Nigeria and never allows these differences to cause a bias or a rift. To him, we are one despite the diversity. He sees people from other tribes as brothers and sisters from another mother. Anything and everything that can cause division or hamper development of the Nigerian state are no go areas for him. He's a patriot that puts Nigeria first in everything he does and wouldn't share his loyalty for Nigeria with any other country. He's so proud of the green-white-green that he doesn't hesitate to tell anyone concerned that 'I am a Nigerian' despite all the negativity attached to doing that...he's never ashamed of his country Nigeria. That's a dutiful Nigerian. That's a Nigerian Citizen. The reverse is the case with an ordinary Nigerian!

So, I ask you, are you a Patriotic Citizen of Nigeria or just an ordinary Nigerian???

Insecurity & Prophet of Doom!

In the last blog, I said that I shall be shedding more light to the sudden rise of insecurity in our dear country Nigeria. The Blunt truth about it is that the news of rise in insecurity is nothing but a product of media hype!

Boko Haram is No Longer Making the Headline
Ever wondered why the talk about the Bokos are no longer making the headlines? The Insurgents are still around but are no longer getting the kind of attention they used to get in the past. This is partly due to the military activities of Nigerian Armed Forces that continue to deal with them. But, there's another reason, people of the North East and Nigeria at large are no longer buying into the hype, so, there's need for a change in tactics. There's need for the creation of a new security threat!
It all began with some pockets of banditry in Zamfara and Kaduna states that are already plagued with the so called "Herdsmen" attacks and kidnappings...there are also reports of cattle rustlings in Kaduna. But, right now, the most trending is the "Killer Herdsmen".

There are No Killer Herdsmen, It's a Media Hype!
It's no news that politicians own media houses...of course, you don't expect such media houses to carry any news that shall tarnish the image of their bosses do you? Rather, they shall serve as willing tools for the promotion of their pay masters' interests at all times. This is why the AIT would not spare any derogatory piece of information about Buhari in its efforts to discourage people from voting Buhari to power. Nnamdi Kanu had used the Radio Biafra to create a religious following in the South East before he fled shortly after his release on bail. My brother, I can go on and on!
It's not like the clash between the farmers and cattle herders just began a few months ago...it has been there for decades! All talks about the 'Islamization', 'Fulanization' and the 'Killer Herdsmen' are all the brain child of such politicians in the opposition such as Obasanjo, Fani Kayode and Reno Omokri who are all PDP members!
Today, if a goat is stolen in your family compound, it is the 'evil work' of the Fulanis, when there's a armed robbery, it's the Fulanis, when there is a murder...be it high or low, the Fulanis are the Prime suspects! Habba!!!
These are all traits of 'fake news' and ethnic bias! The Champions of these troubling news, especially the Prophet of Doom (OBJ) are all PDP members and they are all out to down play whatever positive achievement that the current administration have made. When there's news of insecurity all over, who cares about the availability of good roads and other public utilities? Absolutely nobody!
They are trying to make the country ungovernable. They figured out that unless they do so, they would stand no chance against the APC by 2023. But, just like in the case of Jonathan, if they create a long time chaos, they stand a good chance to win no matter how well Buhari would have done with other sectors of our national life. You know why? Because, nothing is useful without safety and security of lives and properties!

Looking On the Bright Side!
Nothing in this world is 100% good or Bad. It's always the mix of the two. We, however, classify those things with more evil as evil and those with more good as good. This issue of insecurity in the land gives us a golden opportunity to learn more about our citizenship of a chaotic country as Nigeria. This shall be the focus of the next blog post. What we can do as citizens to end the seemingly gigantic security issues we have. 

 See you soon!

Understanding The Problems of Nigeria

The last post was a kind of an intro to this post. The way I see things right now is that Nigerians are yet to understand what it means to be a citizen of a country...come to think of it, have we ever understood it???

Ethnic Clashes and Bias has Always Been Part of Us!
Honestly, ethnic bigotry has always been there from the word go! We never gave Nigeria a chance as we've always been at each other's throat from the very beginning. Even during the struggle for independence, we didn't agree on a particular stance. While a part of the country was not interested, as at that time in independence, the other regions were fighting tooth and nail for independence. The British, I believe, noticed this and saw the opportunity to create chaos and did create it by putting those that are ready and those that said they aren't together as a nation. In the end, what do we have?
Nigeria became one with those that said 'No' to independence taking a leading position while those that proposed it follow. But, really, that's not the problem. Ready or not, those that said 'no' are now part of the great new Nigeria. The Problem is the lack of patience and tolerance that can make us all come to the negotiating table to dialogue and compromise just to forge ahead as a nation.
Yes, they fought for independence, the more reason, in my opinion, why they should be more willing to compromise and move the nation forward. The people of Southern Nigeria, were at the fore front for the struggle for an independent Nigeria. While the South West tend to understand and had moved forward, the South East are still there trying to make a political statement about attaining a political goal that takes something much more than a miracle to achieve without the help of the other regions.
 In 1966, there was a coup that involved military officers all of Southern Nigerian origin which toppled a national government that was headed by a Northerner. Of the 5 Majors that led the operation, 4 were from the South East while the remainder was from the South West. My brothers, if you ask me, Nigeria's political boohoo-w aha began with this infamous coup that saw to the assassination of both military and civilians from all over the country except for those from the South East. We are still suffering from the unfortunate incident till date.

Is Disintegration An Option?
The Answer to this question is a BIG fat 'NO'! The Fact that we are yet to be there doesn't mean that we won't get there! The war that broke out as a fall out of the 1966 coup has gone much further to widen the gap between us. But, sincerely, is this the true cause of our woes as a people today? I beg to disagree!
For the fact that the rich of this country, Nigeria, get to shake hands over cups of tea and laugh heartily in Abuja means that the problem is not really political grudges and ethnicity that's tearing Nigeria down. On the Contrary, the real problem is POVERTY & GREED!
Just before the recent general elections, something really funny happened. General Obasanjo was in the Media criticizing Buhari as though if he had the chance to sit with him, he would tell it to his face that he has failed and should resign. But the very next day, the same Obasanjo was at the Villa to attend a meeting that includes former Presidents and he was seen shaking hands like old close friends with the same Buhari he criticized in public barely 24 hours earlier!
I remember one guy from the East expressing his concerns about the safety of the life of the President in the hands of Obasanjo! So many are like this innocent Nigerian who thinks that those at the top are quarrelling that much. Well, the Blunt truth is that whenever you hear of such words as 'Islamization', 'Fulanization' and 'Nepotism' is used by the Elites of Nigeria, please, ignore it, don't take it seriously. It's there way of whipping up sentiments to drive home their personal demands. They have made themselves the mouth piece of their ethnic groups and tribes...more like godfathers that must be appeased at all times. The fact that we act as though they speak for us gives them more leverage to hold the whole country to ransom whenever they so wish and we would be there supporting them BLINDLY!

Take, for instance, the issue of the killer herdsmen. Do you know how it all started, I mean, this is not the first time we are experiencing these type of clashes, how come it is taking centre stage today and why is it that it seems impossible to resolve? My brother, that's another Government Magic! Insha Allah, I shall elaborate on that in the next blog post, do keep a date with me!

The Conspiracy Theories Of Nigeria

Ordinarily, the herdsmen saga shouldn't have escalated this far if the Northern governors have done the needful. Now that it's the Federal Government's palava, my advice to the Federal Government is to get things done very maturely and not dance around aimlessly!
In my opinion, I think the Federal Government should re-organize the North for Agriculture. Instead of spending Billions on Ruga or any other settlements that the Governors are not willing to accept, I think they should create forests that'll be ever green up North so that the Fulanis won't be kicked around as they are now! I can only imagine how frustrated they are by the rejection they get from fellow Nigerians down South when I read that they wouldn't mind to settle in the deadly forest of Sambisa! What do you think if that happens?
I think the Bokos would be fed fat again to resume strikes against us. This is going by what they say...as per being concerned only with the welfare of their cattle.
It's gonna be like Nigerians abandoned them and the Bokos may show up and strike a deal of protection in exchange for intelligence. Then you shall experience more successful and well coordinate  strikes up north from the Bokos...that would be back to square one. Is that what we want???
We must be very careful with what we want and ask for. We shouldn't let petty politics and sentiments over ride our sense of judgement. All these conspiracy theories we formulate or are formulated for does nothing but slow down the process of integration.
It's kind of embarrassing to hear people still talking of a particular ethnic group leaving their land for them. Where is our senses of brotherhood, how can you tag a whole tribe dangerous without hard evidence???
Let's grow up people! We need to wake up to our national life and responsibilities. We are one and must see ourselves as such despite the difference in culture at all times! Unless we do, we can't progress and shall continue to suffer!
God willing, the next post shall be more elaborate! Do have a lovely day! 

It's June 12, Happy Independence Day!!!

Finally, June 12 is Democracy Day!
It's exactly 26 years today that the then, Head of States gave the Nigerian nation, perhaps, the greatest shock of their national life! The fairest and the best of elections in Nigeria has been annulled!!!
The first time I heard the announcement that June 12 shall be declared the Independence day, I was very much at peace that finally, the right  thing is going to be done. Honestly, the May 29 we had adopted all these years, to me, has been a kind of conspiracy against the Truth. Thank God, we are past that now.But, this post won't be complete without a brief historical background of the June 12 date.

IBB

The June 12 Elections
It was at the peak of the demand for Democracy that the then, Head of States, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB) had no choice but to organize and run an election exercise which was between the defunct National Republican Congress (NRC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Alhaji Tofa was the candidate of the NRC while Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (a.k.a. MKO) was the candidate of the SDP. The Election exercise took place and MKO overwhelmingly won the Election. In fact, Alhaji Tofa lost in his hometown to MKO. It was a landslide victory in favor of the SDP candidate.

Alhaji Tofa

But to the shock of the Country, IBB annulled the elections and refused to handover power. To add salt to sore, he handed over to yet another Military Colleague, in the person of General Sanni Abacha.
To cut the long story short, the Frustrated President-elect declared himself the President after series of appeals to the Abacha who kicked out the Interim Government of Shonekan that IBB installed instead of MKO, the President-elect. Abacha stood his ground and arrested MKO for declaring himself president. He died in custody. This ofcourse gave rise to NADECO activism which continued to demand for Abacha to give way for Democracy.

MKO

Looking On the Bright Side...
Having said this, I want to believe that you now have a good idea of how important the June 12 is as far as democracy is concerned in Nigeria. You would, of course, now appreciate why everyone is excited that Democracy celebration has been shifted to June 12.
One cool thing I appreciate about this change of date is the fact that it is coming from a Fulani and not a Yoruba or Southerner. To me, I think it's a good omen. It means that Nigeria is progressing in terms of our 'Nigerianess'! This is a position that have been occupied by 2 Southerners before Buhari, one was actually the townsman of the late MKO and neither deemed it fit to declare June 12 Democracy day let alone naming a National monument in his memory. All these have happened through a Northerner not a Southerner, that, my friend is PLUS!
My prayer, is that we should continue to progress and tolerate one another. I pray that by this time next year, we should progress significantly in all areas of national development from the acceptance of one another and the country as our own. Ameen.

Happy Democracy Day!
Long live Naija!!
God Bless Nigeria!!!