Professor Anthony Kila, a political economist and professor of strategy and development at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies, has argued that June 12 is the most important date of the 4th Republic in Nigeria.
According to the Don, June 12 is not just a memorable date, but also a symbol of the national expression of desire and vision, collective action of resistance and resolve, as well as a personal tragedy.
He described the story of June 12 as a personal tragedy for many who lost their lives in the battle to defend the democratic choice that Nigerians made on June 12 and for families who lost their loved ones.
“It is also the day Nigerians, united in their voices, regardless of their ethnic and religious divides, clearly expressed their desire and vision for the kind of Nigeria they wanted and who they wished to have as the leader of such a Nigeria. Sadly, that clear decision and vision of the many was annulled by a very few.
“June 12 then became the rallying point for those who chose to resist the imposition of the very few on the many.
Twenty-six years later, we have an uninterrupted democratic process that is 26 years old,” he said.
He added that the nation still, however, does not possess the kind of democracy that was aspired to and fought for 34 years ago.
In his words, he said, “we continue to face issues of police brutality, dysfunctional bureaucracy, nepotism, corruption, distrust between ethnic groups, religious division, and a federation that is not truly federal, not to mention the dire economic conditions faced by most Nigerians.”
According to him, it is safe to say that while some progress has been made, much more needs to be accomplished for our democracy to be a genuine democracy we can trust and take pride in.
“An excellent starting point is to advocate for a people’s constitution that empowers the citizens of Nigeria to democratically determine the kind of country they wish to inhabit, the rules they desire, and how much authority they are willing to cede to the federal, state, and local governments. The Patriots and the June 12 Movement, once again today, resolve to foster an environment conducive to the emergence of a people’s constitution.”
He, however, calls on individuals of goodwill to unite with us in striving towards a people’s constitution that will establish a Nigeria “that honours our diversity and is crafted for our peace, progress, and prosperity.”
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