Photo Of The Day: 12-June-2012

Late Chief M.K.O Abiola

 Today is the 19th anniversary of a history changing event in Nigeria. I was just a year old when this event transpired, so I actually have no personal memory of it. I actually think for a One Year old child, there are other priorities to keep me busy.
 But as a student of History, I've read a lot about it, (I think I'll do well if I were to sit for an exam on this subject matter.) A lot of theories has been postulated as what led to the annulment of the election, why he was Imprisoned, and what led to his death.
 But then if we insist on dwelling on the past, then we'll never go into the future. What I'll suggest be done is that All those who played a role in that defining moment of Nigeria's history should come forth, explain to the nation exactly what happened, Those who need to be praised should be appropriately praised, and those who owe the nation an apology should step forward and apologize. And while at it, The role of the western world in all this debacle should be properly explained.
 I still have a couple of questions to ask those who played a part in this event. Were the military actually willing to hand over? Who won the election? Why exactly was the election annulled? Did Abiola actually sink a ship load of bible headed for Nigeria? What did Abiola stand for, or against that was detrimental to the existence of Nigeria? Why didn't the power blocs of the western world wade into the issue? Why was Abiola only being asked to hand give up his mandate, and Babangida and Abacha not being asked to Step down? What was Ernest Shonekan role in all this? Why did Babangida hand over to Ernest Shonekan instead of M.K.O Abiola?
 Most importantly, let the lessons from this black spot in our history be taken, the hurts and failures forgiven, and the progress that are possible be built on this incident.
 To M.K.O Abiola, from my innocent/ignorant perspective, I say live on.
 To everyone else who lost their lives in that struggle, all the unsung heroes of our democracy, I pray that the Nigeria of Your dreams will one day come to fruition.
 To the politicians and Public Office holders, I advise that you represent the interest of the electorate, and work to ensure that the Nigeria you leave behind be better than the one you meet.
 To everyone else, I say let us have the courage to pursue our vision, because if we can't die for Something, we'll live and die for Nothing.
 May the Nigeria of our dream become a reality, and may it be in this present generation, and may we all live to see it.