June 12 Coalition Hails Nigerians’ Democratic Resilience, Commends Tinubu’s Reforms

 

By oluwaseyi fadoro 

The June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations (J12CODEF) has congratulated Nigerians on the 33rd anniversary of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, describing the occasion as a testament to the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of citizens to democracy.

In a statement issued on June 11 and jointly signed by the coalition’s Chairman, Linus Okoroji, and General Secretary, Nelson Ekujumi, the group praised Nigerians for sustaining democratic governance despite prevailing socio-economic challenges.

J12CODEF, a coalition of over 150 civil society, non-governmental, self-determination, and public interest organizations, was formed to campaign against the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest poll in Nigeria’s history.

The coalition recalled that more than 14 million Nigerians voted peacefully across ethnic and religious lines to elect the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

According to the group, the annulment of the election by the military regime of former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, triggered years of pro-democracy struggles marked by protests, demonstrations, detentions, assassinations, forced exile, and other forms of resistance that eventually paved the way for Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.

The coalition paid tribute to several democracy martyrs, including MKO Abiola, his wife Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Suliat Adedeji, and others who paid the ultimate price in the struggle for democratic governance.

On the economy, J12CODEF commended President Bola Tinubu for implementing what it described as “bold, audacious, painful but necessary” reforms, particularly the removal of fuel and foreign exchange subsidies.

The coalition argued that the measures helped avert the collapse of the Nigerian economy, which it said was in a critical state when the administration assumed office in 2023.

While acknowledging the hardship and economic dislocation caused by the reforms, the group expressed optimism that the benefits would continue to emerge despite global challenges, including recent tensions in the Middle East.

The coalition also praised the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure drive, noting that increased public funds resulting from subsidy removal have accelerated developmental projects across the country.

It urged state and local governments to complement federal efforts by investing in people-oriented projects, particularly given the increase in allocations accruing to sub-national governments

Addressing security concerns, J12CODEF acknowledged the persistent security challenges confronting Nigeria but expressed confidence that they could be overcome through collective efforts.

The coalition urged citizens to support security agencies and cooperate with them in tackling insecurity, emphasizing that “security is everybody’s business.”

It also called on security agencies to remain professional and focused despite attempts to politicize security issues.

As part of the June 12 anniversary message, the coalition cautioned Nigerians, especially youths, against being misled by misinformation or incitement capable of undermining public peace and democratic stability.

It warned against attempts by anti-democratic elements to exploit public grievances for political purposes, urging citizens to remain vigilant and committed to preserving democratic values.

J12CODEF concluded by congratulating Nigerians for sustaining 27 years of uninterrupted democratic rule and wished citizens a meaningful commemoration of June 12, describing it as an enduring symbol of perseverance, resilience, and sacrifice in the nation's democratic journey.