Re: June 12 celebration in tears, by Fatai ADEWUYI

June 12 entrenched democratic governance in Nigeria and signalled blissful environment and human interaction. The aftermath of June 12 1993 election won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola was the declaration of the date as a public holiday in Nigeria and celebrated with joy and funfare.

However, reading a piece this morning by Hon Wale Ajani makes me also ponder on this year’s June 12 celebration. I agree it is celebrated in tears; the reason is obvious, understandable and is highly regretted. Evidently, the abduction of school children and their teachers at three communities in Orire local government area has thrown the whole community, town, state and country into mourning such that June 12 2026 celebration is like an anathema or aberration. The fact that the bandits are evasive and unconquerable has worsen the whole situation and put all in panic and sad mood. The efforts of both Oyo state and federal government have been rendered useless giving the public the chance or audacity of insinuating political game in the manner the abductees have not been released and the bandits apprehended.

This gives a similitude to June 12 in respect of its annulment that denied Moshood Abiola the Presidential mandate. The annulment made sure he was a good President Nigeria never had.

Frankly, the June 12 date has come to stay in Nigeria’s historical calendar and if we celebrate it in tears this year 2026, we shall celebrate it in joy in other years as the present abduction of school children and their teachers shall be a thing of past, for sooner it will be over by His grace. Let us be calm as we celebrate June 12 in tears. God is in control.

Adewuyi sends this piece via 08130851574.