June 12 is Democracy Day: A Narrative of Shattered Hope

June 12, a day etched in Nigeria’s history, commemorates the annulled presidential election of 1993, widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest poll.
The election’s winner, Chief MKO Abiola, was denied his mandate, sparking widespread protests and a prolonged struggle for democracy.

In recognition of the significance of this day, President Muhammadu Buhari declared June 12 as Nigeria’s new Democracy Day in 2018, replacing May 29. This move was a nod to the sacrifices made by Abiola and countless others who fought for Nigeria’s democratic ideals.
Today, June 12 serves as a poignant reminder of the country’s ongoing quest for true democracy and social justice.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is marking the second anniversary of Democracy Day since taking office, with many Nigerians eagerly awaiting tangible improvements in their lives.
However, as this essay will explore, the past two years have been marked by disappointment and shattered hopes, with the welfare of Nigerians seemingly taking a backseat.

President Bola Tinubu’s speech last year on June 12, Democracy Day, was filled with promise and optimism.
He spoke of a democracy that would “yield the right dividends to the people who are the shareholders,” emphasising the need for “social and economic justice for our people.”
He invoked the spirit of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, saying, “The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over the personal interests of the ruling class.”

However, two years into his administration, the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, and the promised “Renewed Hope” seems like a distant dream.
The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, touted as measures to boost the economy, have instead led to skyrocketing prices and a significant decrease in purchasing power.

As President Tinubu himself had acknowledged, “The decision will impose an extra burden on the masses of our people.”
Unfortunately, this burden has been crushing, with many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
The promised “massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare, and other public utilities” remains largely unrealised.

The welfare of Nigerians, which President Tinubu emphasised as a key aspect of the democracy MKO Abiola fought for, seems to have taken a backseat.
There has been no tangible package to support the well-being of Nigerians, particularly the most vulnerable populations.
The Students’ Loan Programme and Consumer Credits, mentioned by Presidential aide Tunde Rahman, are yet to make a significant impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

In his speech, President Tinubu quoted Abiola’s campaign manifesto, “Farewell to Poverty,” saying, “There is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with thought-out social and economic policies.”
However, his administration’s policies seem to have exacerbated poverty and hardship, rather than alleviating them.

June 12 is Democracy Day, a significant occasion that commemorates the struggles for democratic governance in Nigeria. However, the irony of celebrating democracy while truncating it in other aspects cannot be lost on us.

The recent events in Rivers State, where an illegal emergency rule was imposed, only to be thwarted, highlight the fragility of democratic principles in the country.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that the fight for democracy is ongoing, and its preservation requires constant vigilance.
As we celebrate June 12, let us reflect on the importance of upholding democratic tenets and ensuring that the will of the people is respected.

As June 12 is celebrated this year, Nigerians are left with shattered hopes and unfulfilled promises.
The critical issues of June 12, including social and economic justice, remain unresolved.
It is imperative for the government to reassess its priorities and work towards creating a better future for all Nigerians, rather than just a select few.
Only then can the true spirit of June 12 be realised, and the welfare of Nigerians be genuinely promoted.

By Abiodun Adigun