Tonto Dikeh performed at Iyanya's Kukere's Concert which took place in London last night and things got a little wild. The singer first got audience thinking she was under the influence of alcohol when she said something about not wanting to wave because her armpit wasn't shaved and kept mouthing off.
But what got everyone wide-mouthed was when she literally fell of the stage.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Chiefs and elders of Kalabari Kingdom in Rivers State have offered to mediate in the political feud between the state Governor, Chibuike Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan.
This came as the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, alleged that there were plans by officials of the state government to circulate fake posters to create the impression that he wanted to run for the office of governor of the state in the 2015 elections.
The Kalabari chiefs, who paid Amaechi solidarity visit at Government House, Port Harcourt, Tuesday, noted that despite denials by both leaders, there were misunderstandings between the two sons of the Niger Delta which should be resolved.
The delegation was led by the representative of the Amanyanabo of Kalabari Kingdom, Prof. Theophilus Princewill; the Amayanabo of Abonnema, Mr. Disrael Bobmanuel.
In an address read by Chief Sekinte Davis, on behalf of the people, they expressed their avid support for the governor and pledged to stand by him in his current travails.
They said: “At certain times in the life of a man, the public expression of the love, goodwill, admiration and support of friends and relatives may be highly desirable. For us as Kalabari people, this is a good time to show our solidarity with our son, brother, friend and governor. The Kalabari people as an ethnic nationality would continue to work with you. We pledge our loyalty and unflinching support to Your Excellency’s (Amaechi’s) administration.”
They praised Amaechi for his laudable achievements so far in the Kalabari area and the state generally. They congratulated him on his re-election as the Chairman of the Nigeria, Governors’ Forum (NGF).
They said: “May we use this opportunity to thank Your Excellency for the swiftness and persistence with which you have been committed to this battle to restore Soku and other Kalabari communities to the Kalabari Kingdom. It would be apposite, in the same vein, to join other men and women of goodwill resident in the state to tender our gratitude to you for the growth and development in the core areas which your administration is focused on.
“The investments in health, particularly primary healthcare; in education, infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of teachers, and quality assurance and in agriculture, especially fish farming, compel us to say thank you.
“It would be an oversight not to thank you for sending our children to study abroad under generous scholarships. Neither would we fail to say thank you for our brothers in various positions of responsibility especially the Hon Otelemaba Dan Amachree, the speaker of the state House of Assembly” in whom we are well pleased.
“He has maintained the principle of separation of powers while aligning the making of good laws to a shared vision for development. It is our hope that the confidence you have reposed in them will take you all to the finishing line.
“For us as Kalabari people, we can confidently say that despite all odds, you have provided visionary and purposeful leadership for the state. We cannot pretend that your administration has delivered on its mandate. We align with all your pro-people initiatives and express our unalloyed support to your administration. We will stand with you at all times.”
They offered to arbitrate in any political misunderstanding the governor might have had with other Nigerians and appealed for peace in the state.
Meanwhile, Wike, in a statement issued Tuesday by his Special Assistant (Media), Simeon Nwakaudu, alleged that some officials of the state had plotted to print and circulate his posters to create the impression that he had declared for the 2015 governorship election for the state.
The statement said: “We want to categorically declare that this is an orchestrated evil plot by these political mercenaries aimed at presenting the Minister of State for Education as an over-ambitious politician. The fundamental aim of this plot is to create the impression that the minister is flouting the directive on the ban of 2015 political campaigns by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).”
The statement called on the public to disregard the posters when they do appear as they did not emanate from Wike.
“We urge members of the public to disregard these posters, if and when they are circulated, because they are the handiwork of sinking and desperate politicians who are bent on circulating false information to over-heat the polity.
“We wish to state that regardless of the blackmail tactics of these officials of the Rivers State Government, the Honourable Minister of State for Education remains committed to the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan (GCFR). The minister is totally focused on delivering on the responsibilities assigned to him by the administration to develop the nation’s basic education sector,” the statement said.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
As the National Assembly moves to amend the 1999 Constitution, the nation has been advised to jettison the idea of granting autonomy that makes the local government a federating unit but instead, in the context of their relationship with the states where they are domicile.
The view, expressed by the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, in his keynote address Tuesday, at a national discourse with the theme: ‘Local Government Authority: How Autonomous?’ organised by CMC Connect and O’Ken Ventures at the MUSON Centre, Lagos.
Aregbesola, who was also supported by other prominent discussants, drew inference from the federal systems in the United States, Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
He said: “Autonomy only makes sense in the relationship between the states and the centre.”
The governor maintained that in a true federal system, there is no provision for local government as a federating partner.
“To talk of one is to engage in peddling federalism fallacy.” Aregbesola added.
He maintained that the urgent need was to change the current federal structure in Nigeria which had been described as a creation of the military.
The governor also lampooned the federal government for arrogating so much power to itself, especially the 51 per cent of the federal allocation it receives without corresponding development across the country.
Similarly, a constitutional lawyer, Prof. Itse Sagay, described the current federal structure as it pertains to the local government as an aberration.
“The question of having autonomous local governments is out of it. Listing of local governments in the constitution is peculiarly a Nigerian problem. The involvement of the National Assembly in a local government creation is wrong,” he said.
While making reference to section (7) of the Nigeria’s constitution, Sagay maintained that issues of local government creation and maintenance is a responsibility of the state and that where this is altered, it is no longer a federal system.
“Every state should decide how many local governments it wants to create and fund them. The idea of a federation account is a problem. Why do we have to share from one account and still say we are a federation?
He also blamed the anomalies in the system on the people making laws for the country whom he said have some form of “insecurity in their thinking,” arguing that in a true federal system, the states are free to create and use the local government as it wishes.
“In a true federal system, the state can adopt parliamentary system; the local government can even have sub-local government within the system. The straight jacket system is not the best,” he bemoaned.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Chika Ike has become a household name over the years and most recently, was on the tip of our tongues because of her drastic haircut for a movie role. In this new episode of “Rubbin’ Minds” with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the Nollywood heartthrob talks about relationships, her career, her fears and what to expect from her soon.
Did You Know?
Chika Ike starred in her first movie role as an extra in 2005. She used to cry when she read rumors, stories and critique about her online. She plans to grow back her hair as soon as possible. She admits that she prefers the ‘Asaba’ straight-to-DVD movies because they are more commercially successful than those that go straight to cinema.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The trial of the four alleged masterminds of the August 20, 2011 suicide bombing of the United Nations’ building in Abuja could not commence before a Federal High Court in Abuja Tuesday following the inability of the federal government’s prosecution team to bring to court evidences and witnesses.
The four accused persons, Salisu Mohammed, Inusa Mukailu, Danzumi Haruna and Abdulsalami Adamu, were all based in Kano as at the time of their arrest and are standing trial on a four-count charge of acts that border on terrorism.
A total of 23 persons lost their lives as a result of the incident.
It was learnt that the prosecution wanted to tender the exploded Honda CRV Jeep, its registration number plate Kano AV 38 NSR and photograph of the suspects as exhibits, which were said to be under police custody.
The matter which came up for hearing before Justice Gladys Olotu of the Federal High Court, Abuja after series of attempts to prosecute the four suspects had failed, was subsequently adjourned to October 9 and 10, 2013 for hearing.
The prosecution counsel, who pleaded that her name should not be mentioned, had asked the court for adjournment on the grounds that she could not provide all the needed materials to prosecute the case.
She said: “My Lord, I am afraid, I am a little bit handicapped because we were unable to put our house in order. The letter we wrote to the police requesting the materials and other exhibits could not get to them on time.
In view of this little constraint, I ask for a short adjournment to enable us put our house in order."
Though, she was able to bring one witness, Mr. Ibrahim Agu, the prosecution further told the court that the other witness expected to come and testify is a Divisional Police Officer in Jos.
“We are bringing two witnesses in this case, one is here but the other one is in Jos and we have sent signal to him,” the prosecution added.
Speaking shortly after the matter was adjourned; counsel to the accused persons, Ken Obiduruzo, said he was confident the four suspects would get justice but however lamented their long incarceration.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Tuesday said that the commission is not under any pressure to decline registration to the merging political parties floating the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the 1999 constitution and the Electoral Act is very clear on the provisions for the registration of groups seeking to be registered or political parties that want to merge.
Reacting to a news report that the Chairman of the commission is under pressure not to register the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Robert Idowu said that it is not true that the commission is under any pressure.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Twenty years after the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election, has the nation really lived the essence of that struggle? Ademola Adeyemo asks
Nigeria held the June 12, 1993 presidential election ten years after the military seized power in 1983. The sham election of 1983 had provoked a military coup led by General Muhammadu Buhari.
But the June 12 1993 presidential election renewed the hope of a better Nigeria in democratic garb. Presidential candidate of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), the late Chief MKO Abiola, was presumed to have won the election having maintained an early lead against Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC), from the results then released.
According to the results announced by the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) headed by Professor Humphrey Nwosu, Abiola had polled 8,357,246 while Tofa had to his credit, 5,878,685 votes.
But the cause of history changed for good when the election was annulled by former Military President General Ibrahim Babangida, leading to a political crisis that crippled the nation for a long time.
Today, however, marks the 20th anniversary of the annulment just as the country has come full circle. The June 12, 1993 election was significant because it gave Nigerians the first opportunity to vote and perhaps have a say in the choice of leadership, democratically without the familiar manipulations.
It seemed like the Nigerian electorate was more sophisticated twenty years ago. Besides, the election mattered because for the first time in the post-independence electoral history of Nigeria, religion or ethnicity was not given any consideration during voting; it was about democratic tenets and the rule of law.
Indeed, it was the first time Nigerians voted to have a president of their choice. Other significance of the June 12 election included the fact that there were no reports of electoral violence. Even the natural element (rain) that could have disrupted the process was not there despite being the month of June. And so, millions of Nigerians voted in an election generally adjudged the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria.
Even Tofa was reported to have sent Abiola a congratulatory message. There were also speculations that Abiola’s presumed victory had brought down the prices of goods in some parts of the country following wild jubilation. Those were the spirit and mood until Nigerians received the shock of the annulment.
Of course, many reasons, including the untenable and weird were advanced in defence of the military action. But that did not change the fact that the presidential election was won and lost.
Sadly, 20 years after, it does not appear anything has changed, at least, in deference to the struggle of June 12. There is a prevailing feeling of disappointment that things are not working in the country and in all sectors of the system. The system is still susceptible to manipulations while millions of people continue to live in abject poverty.
Ironically, Nigeria’s biggest problem is believed to be her inability to conduct free and fair elections. Usually, a well organised and conducted election provides the citizenry an opportunity to peacefully and democratically register their individual opinions regarding the destiny of their nation through the choice of leadership.
Where citizens are able to cast their votes and their votes actually counted, they are able to determine the direction of the nations- the economy, political and social developments, as their electoral preferences will reflect their dream ideas and profound desires.
But since the annulment of the nation’s best election some 20 years ago, Nigerians are still denied the opportunity to savour democratic dividends through free and fair electoral processes. Instead, the processes are often manipulated and contrived results are announced. The snatching of ballot boxes and other electoral malpractices are still very much prevalent.
It is however expected that if Nigeria genuinely intends to have a credible election again, it should be ready to discard its differences, real or imaginary because a credible electoral exercise is important as it confers on the government, the legitimacy of popular choice. The process also allows for diverse voices to have a role in governance.
Again, there is the argument that if the country desires a credible election, it has to do away with the current practice in which the Electoral Commission is made up of government appointees, who are said to operate the policy of the government in power, in driving the electoral process. Therefore, the need is canvassed for an autonomous electoral body, whose composition is not determined by the man in power.
June 12 was credible because that was the day Nigerians showcased to the world that they were united, irrespective of ethno-religious differences that now define the basis of their coexistence. Nigerians, at that time, did not ponder the fact that there could be a downside to allowing a Muslim-Muslim ticket to fly before they cast their votes.
Rather, they were interested in the manifesto of SDP and the promises of Abiola to deliver to the Nigerian people, a completely new era that will bid poverty goodbye. They fixed their gaze on his ideological shift. The June 12, 1993 presidential election was a veritable milestone and watershed in Nigeria’s awkward history.
Perhaps, many reckoned, it would have propelled Nigeria forward. The fact that it was shot down remains the albatross of the leadership and nothing that signifies the essence of the struggle appears to have been established by the political class, 20 years after an experience destined to change the cause of the nation’s socio-political history.
Small wonder, despite the advent of democracy and successive leadership changes, nothing seems to have appreciably changed. Development plans are mere proposals that never translate into tangible manifestations. If only the leadership has picked a lesson or two from the essence of the June 12 struggle, maybe, just maybe there would have been a world of difference today.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The roles played by Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, in the June 12 struggle was packed full of drama, writes Shola Oyeyipo
Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, ascended office with an uncommon style. With colour and charisma typified by his deft political moves, he earned the appellation “The Maradona of Nigeria’s politics.” What more, his administration was characterised by landmark but controversial political and economic policies, all in the bid to make a difference.
For example, he conducted a referendum to secure support for austerity measures suggested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. He initiated Structural Adjustment Program (SAP) in 1986. At that time, the Nigerian economy was said to have improved with the export sector, doing well. But the consequential fall in real wages, in the public sector and the reduction in expenditure on public services, sparked protests that affected the sustenance of the SAP programme.
On the political turf, Babangida explored extensively, the tool of consultation and gave his regime a democratic outlook. In January 1986, Babangida initiated a political debate on the way forward but ended up with getting the wrath of the people who were unhappy with his penchant for maneuvering the system and was subsequently accused of corruption and autocratic tendency.
Having survived the April 22, 1990 coup attempt by Major Gideon Orkar, he started to consummate his transition programmed which started in 1989 by allowing the formation of political parties. This was followed by a census in November 1991, after which the electoral commission announced on January 24, 1992 that the elections to a bicameral National Assembly and the presidency would be held that year.
He later proscribed then existing political parties and settled for just two- the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and National Republican Convention (NRC). Nigerians were therefore encouraged to join either of the parties. The process soon led to the June 12 1993 presidential election. Suffice it to say that before the June 12 election, the legislative and governorship elections had held as planned, with the SDP maintaining majority across board.
With Abiola standing as the SDP presidential candidate and Tofa, NRC, the stage was set for the epic election. The election was midway and a few results announced when Babangida annulled the exercise. Indeed, the results as announced then showed that Abiola had comfortable lead in 19 out of the 30 states. And that earned him the phrase- the presumed winner and president that never was. The annulment, however, followed widespread civil disorder with spirited demand for the actualisation of his mandate.
Babangida Steps Aside Faced with an increasing unpopularity occasioned by the annulment of June 12, the Babangida administration also had a lot of crises to contend with. And so, with yet a controversial exit plan, IBB as he was fondly called, announced an interim government that was inaugurated on August 27, 1993. And so, on August 26, amidst debilitating strike and protests, Babangida stepped aside and handed government over to Chief Ernest Shonekan, an Abeokuta, Ogun State indigene like Abiola.
Shonekan’s Brief Stint Chief Ernest Shonekan, a British-trained Nigerian lawyer, industrialist and politician was drafted into office following heat that chased Babangida out of office. But Shonekan's stint in office only lasted three months, as he was also edged out by a palace coup orchestrated by the late General Sani Abacha, who not only distorted the arrangement on the ground but brought the government back under full military control on November 17, 1993.
Enters the Abacha Regime At this time, however, Abacha was fully in charge. Although many shared the view that Babangida was not supposed to have left Abacha behind, he (Abacha) was however expected to release Abiola, being winner of the election. Rather, he arrested and detained Abiola who continued to languish in jail from June 1994 till he died in July 1998.
Abiola was charged with treason, for claiming his mandate. This was because on June 11, 1994, he had declared himself president and went into hiding until his arrest on June 23, 1994. While Abiola was in detention, Abacha did all he could to consolidate himself in power but was rebuffed by a determined civil society.
This, perhaps, compelled Abacha to further manifest himself as a quintessential dictator. He persecuted the pro-democracy and progressive forces. His regime allegedly killed many people perceived enemies of the administration. He ignored appeals by the international community to respect human rights and speed up the return to democratic rule. Abacha was not bulging as he continued with the intimidation, harassment and alleged killing of the people.
The Phantom Coup As part of his many failed moves to secure public sympathy and legitimise his government, Abacha, in 1995 alleged that some military officers and civilians had planned to upstage his government in a coup that was later described as phantom. The accused included but not limited to former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Major General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Major General Abdulkareem Adisa, Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju and Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya, who were arrested, detained, tried, found guilty and handed several sentences depending on the degree of alleged involvement. Yar’Adua however died in detention.
The Ogoni Nine The history of the Abacha era would not be complete without the story of the execution of the Ogoni nine told. Earlier, in 1994, the government had set up the Ogoni Civil Disturbances Special Tribunal to try a popular Ogoni activist, the late Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others for their alleged roles in the killing of four Ogoni politicians. The tribunal sentenced the Ogoni nine to death and they were executed on November 10, 1995.
The Labour Movement The Nigerian workers had responded to the state of the nation with a nationwide strike and demanded the release of Abiola as well as hand over power to him. Other trade unions also joined in the exercise, bringing the economic life in some parts of the country, especially Lagos and the South-west to a halt. But in a vexed response, government, on August 17, 1994 dismissed the leadership of the NLC and the petroleum unions; placed the unions under appointed administrators and arrested Frank Kokori, then secretary-general of the union and other labour leaders in order to put them in check.
The Abacha Transition Not oblivious of the quest for democratic government, Abacha, on October 1, 1995 announced the timetable for a three-year transition to civilian rule. But the transition programme was never to be till he eventually died in office. Observers thought his three-year transition program was an excuse to prolong his stay in office.
Also, his plan to create more states under the bogus transition programme was considered a desperate attempt to divert people's attention from the real social, economic and political problems facing the country. His was one regime that would be remembered for several human rights abuses, including infringements on freedom of speech, assembly, association, travel and state violence.
And Abacha, Abiola Pass on That era started to come to a close when Abacha first died on June 8, 1998 and followed almost a month after by Abiola, who died on July 7, 1998. Abacha’s death however spurred spontaneous jubilation whilst the demise of Abiola further complicated the political situation of the country. At this time, however, General Abdulsalami Abubakar had taken over power and it was under his watch that Abiola died.
The Return to Civil Rule Abdusalami assumed office in June 1998 and immediately took fruitful steps to stabilising the polity which had deteriorated under Abacha. He set out with a transition programme which eventually produced Obasanjo as civilian president in 1999.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
As Nigeria's pro-democracy community organises series of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, Ademola Adeyemo and Shola Oyeyipo recognise some of the personalities- both dead and living- that were in the forefront of the June 12 struggle
“Heroes may not be braver than anyone else,” said former United States President, Ronald Reagan, “They are just braver five minutes longer.” Today, they may not be together again, but those who struggled for the actualisation of the June 12 1993 presidential election and the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria would always be together both in ideology and belief. They were brought together by a common purpose which was to do away with military government and they succeeded.
Indeed, they have diminished in number as some of them died in the struggle while others passed on years after. Yet, many of them are still sustaining the struggle for a better Nigeria. Therefore, in commemoration of the 20 years of the annulment that culminated in a historic struggle, some of the martyrs and heroes of that era are recognised below:
The Nigerian Masses Nigerians collectively clamoured for a change from military to democratic governance. The quest for the change was reflective in the pattern of vote at the election where Nigerians, irrespective of their religious or ethnic background, voted massively for Abiola. Small wonder, the election still ranks as the freest and fairest election ever conducted in the country and indeed, Africa.
More still, when the election was annulled, Nigerians collectively stood their grounds and fought tirelessly for the restoration of the mandate. Many were killed, several were injured, intimidated and incarcerated but the quest continued until democracy was restored.
Kudirat Abiola One of the martyrs of the June 12 struggle was the wife of Abiola, Alhaja Kudirat Atinuke Abiola. Born in 1951, in northern Nigerian city of Zaria where she also had her early education, Kudirat, married Abiola at age 21 in a union that produced seven children. An otherwise private person, the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which her husband had presumably won, brought her out, not just into the public space but the pro-democracy movement.
In 1994 when Abiola was incarcerated and kept in solitary confinement for declaring himself president, Kudirat, despite the clear danger, provided leadership and support for the struggle. She stepped forward, convinced that the military actions amounted to a violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians and a subversion of justice. But on June 4, 1996, a few days to the anniversary of June 12, Kudirat was murdered in what was generally considered a state killing.
Alfred Rewane The late Pa Alfred Rewane, an Itsekiri born businessman and pro-democracy activist deployed his resources to fight the military to a standstill as well as provided support for NADECO and related groups involved in the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate. At a personal level, he campaigned against official graft in high places, lack of accountability and gross violation of human rights which further pitted him against the military.
In June 1995, he was arrested by the military alongside others for holding a meeting, but released 24 hours later. However, in August 1995, he took ill and on his return from his foreign medical trip, renewed his quest for the revalidation of the June 12 mandate. But in October 6, 1995, he was brutally killed in curious circumstances by unknown assassins in Lagos.
Gani Fawehinmi (SAN) A foremost lawyer and human rights crusader, the late Chief Gani Fawehinimi, was also in the forefront of the struggle for the de-annulment of the June 12 election. For daring the military, he was detained for a long time but that did not deter him as he held on to the struggle on the grounds of conviction and social justice. He provided free legal, moral and financial support for pro-democracy activists. He died several years after the enthronement of the nation’s fledgling democracy.
Prof Wole Soyinka The Nobel Laureate, Professor Soyinka, was one of the intelligentsias of the struggle and the brains behind Radio Kudirat, a freedom fighter medium used for international campaign against the annulment of the June 12 election. There were other frontline activists behind the initiative like Chief Anthony Enahoro and the current Ekiti State governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who through their broadcasts, leaked plans by the military to decimate the freedom fighters. It was the radio station that revealed plans to assassinate Pa Adekunle
Ajasin and Abraham Adesanya. As an active player, Soyinka was said to have attempted to lure Abacha to validate June 12 by exploring his contacts and inciting the international community against the maximum ruler.
But Soyinka got his dose of the military bitter pills when in 1994, he had to go on exile to the US and France, following charges of bomb attacks on the army along with some others leveled against him. He was however tried in absentia and sentenced to death, also in absentia. He returned after the death of Abacha and has remained a consistent voice in the call for good governance in Nigeria.
Frank Kokori Former Secretary-General of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, made personal sacrifices by standing against the military government and sided with the people. He declared and sustained the oil workers’ strike which succeeded in crippling the nation’s economy and weakened the military government of Babangida and Abacha. He was arrested by the military and made to suffer bodily torture, imprisonment, verbal assaults and all forms of indignity and intimidation. But he did to give up the struggle for the enthronement of democracy in the country.
Walter Carrington Former United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, though a foreigner, was however involved in the struggle to de-annul the June 12 election because by marriage to a Nigerian, he had a stake in the country and struggle. Carrington, therefore, supported the pro-democracy groups, especially NADECO during the agitation. He drew the attention of the international community to the abuse of human rights by the military. His activities influenced the United States of America to mount pressure on the military to return to the barracks.
Adekunle Ajasin One time governor of Ondo State, the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin, who was the leader of both Afenifere and NADECO fought relentlessly for June 12. He was a backbone to pro-democracy forces. Even at the risk to his life and age, he was openly opposed to the military.
His home was invaded by former governor Ibe Onyearugbulem, on the order of Abacha. There were calculated efforts at making Ondo State uncomfortable for the NADECO members. He was arrested by the military in June 1995, along with some others for allegedly holding a meeting. He was released 24 hours later. Although, he did not relinquish his quest for the enthronement of democracy before he eventually died in October 1997, he however witnessed the demise of Abacha.
Professor Humphrey Nwosu Professor Humphrey Nwosu was the Chairman, National Electoral Commission (NEC), the body that organised the June 12 election. The commission under him introduced the 'Option A4' and Open Ballot System.
It was easy to presume that MKO Abiola won the election because Nwosu had released some of the election results before an order stopping further announcement by the military regime. Nwosu did everything humanly possible to resist the annulment, having also gone ahead to conduct the election against the wish of the establishment.
In 2008, he published a book in which he subtly exonerated Babangida of the blame of the annulment. He however identified the late former military head of state, General Sani Abacha, as well as ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, as having contributed to the annulment.
Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Like, Soyinka, former Minister of Foreign Affairs under Babangida, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, though a friend of the former military ruler, supported the NADECO cause. Along with some other academics, he authored articles against the annulment and incited the intellectual community against the government. He was also forced to flee the country when faced with threat to his life.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has said it would accept any attempt by the presidency and the ruling PDP to rope-in the opposition party or its leadership as terrorism sponsors, saying all alleged sponsors of terror in Nigeria are either within the ruling party, the PDP, or somehow associated with it.
The party however expressed satisfaction at the speed with which the presidency and the PDP, responded to clear its fears over the possibility of using the proscription order imposed on Boko Haram to haunt Nigerians.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
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