CACOL To Tinubu: Prosecute Babangida For The Annulment Of June 12 Election …Hails President For Honouring Heroes Of Democracy

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called for the prosecution of former military president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida for the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election. CACOL also commended the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Government of Nigeria for meeting some of the demands of the organization by honouring some of the heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle.

In a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran he noted that “It will be recalled that we made some demands preparatory to the commemoration of the June 12 now known as “Democracy Day” among which are that the foot soldiers of the June 12 struggle should be recognized and honoured by the government.

”We hereby commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold and symbolic gesture during his recent address at the National Assembly, where he honoured key heroes and heroines of the June 12 democratic struggle with National Honours. This recognition is a critical step toward national healing and a long-overdue affirmation of the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists during one of the most defining moments in Nigeria’s political history.However, while we appreciate this noble gesture, we must emphasize that there are still many other who either paid the ultimate price in the fight for democracy or lose their limbs and properties and still remain unacknowledged or inadequately recognized.

“We call on the Tinubu administration to expand the honour roll to include other activists and foot soldiers of democracy whose names are yet to be officially acknowledged. Nigeria owes them a debt of gratitude.We strongly urge the Federal Government to provide financial compensation to the families of the deceased June 12 heroes and heroines, many of whom have been left in dire conditions despite the immense contributions of their loved ones.

“Furthermore, in order to allow for justice, equity, equality and national accountability, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), the key architect of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, should be held accountable. He should be made to face the music according to the law of the land. His action not only undermined Nigeria’s democratic foundation but also plunged the country into years of political instability and repression. No meaningful reconciliation can occur without justice.

“Most importantly, we reiterate our longstanding demand that June 12 be officially designated “M.K.O Abiola Day”, in honour of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the rightful winner of the 1993 presidential election, rather than simply calling it “Democracy Day.” This symbolic change will properly situate Abiola’s unmatched sacrifice at the heart of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“As we remember June 12 and what it stands for, let this be a moment not only of recognition, but of restitution and truth,” the statement added.