JUNE 12,1993 IS A WATERSHED IN OUR HISTORY IN NIGERIA- DR. MICHAEL AYODELE OJO
“June 12, 1993 is a watershed in our history in Nigeria. It was a year when Nigerians set aside religious, political and racial differences, poverty and individual acrimonies to vote massively for a man they generally accepted, MKO Abiola.”
These were the words of Dr. Michael Ayodele Ojo, Chief Medical Director of MAO Hospital Akure while speaking with the Democrat News Magazine and other journalists in his office last week saying that the people country have learnt their lessions.
He commended the president Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria for considering the sacrifice of MKO Abiola towards enthronement of democracy in the country. Dr. Ojo pointed it was the only reflection of the election that was adjudged as freest and fairest election in the history of the country.
While relating to the present political situation in the country, Ojo said that February 25, 2023 general elections was another proof that Nigerians are getting mature politically and that the country was ready to stay together.
“There is no doubt that politics is like a football when you sit down at home no one will come and give position. If you look at it from 1960 Namudi Azikwue did not want to work with Obafemi Awolowo and went to team up with Tafawa Balewa and he received mere ceremonial president, to the extent that Nkuruma said a whole Zik of Africa with all you have done.
“60 years ago, Chief Obafemi Awolowo tried to rescue Nigeria to no avail and 30 years ago, MKO Abiola tried to save the country but they did not allow him, but thank God Jagaban came and with the help of God he made despite all odds that were against him.
“Tinubu is a real politician, who had served in Lagos for many years and he also helped many states in Nigeria and we trust God that he will deliver to the glory of God.
“If Peter Obi should win, it means ethnicity system of politics will still work in the country and if Atiku should win it means regional system will continue to work but with the emergence of Tinubu it means region or ethnicity will no longer work again in determining the leadership of the country.
Dr. Ojo used the medium to advise Nigerians to shun all forms of tribalism, nepotism and religion acrimony but rather join hands with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu towards ensuring rapid development of the country since the election has come and gone.