June 12: A National Honour That May End In Dishonour (Editorial)

By GbaramatuVoice Editorial Board

A glance at the nation’s political arena in the past few weeks will reveal without labour that the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government had taken some steps that are worthy of commendation.

A state of affairs that has elicited joy among Nigerians as well as promoting peaceful coexistence among the different tribes and groups, and on the other hand, brightened the reputation of this present administration in the estimation of right thinking Nigerians.

Part of these actions taken by the Federal Government includes but not limited to; the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria and the posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), the greatest honour in the land, on Chief M. K. O. Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election.

However, while this was ongoing, GbaramatuVoice has discovered that opinions are divided, no thanks to this action, as the vast majority of Nigerians are of the view that it’s not a true reflection of a government that is out to heal national wounds; a position that the newspaper completely agrees with after looking at all the indications.

For example, the recognition in our views was not evenly spread but lopsided and may further polarize the nation and bring disaffection amongst tribes if something dramatic is not done to right the wrongs.

Yes, we are in agreement that  Chief M. K. O. Abiola and others honoured truly deserved it but in the span, it has not in any way portrayed the Federal Government in good light that names of prominent Nigerians that gave their lives for the unity and emancipation of their people were left out.

Names such as Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the organizer of the election that was adjudged the freest and fairest election in the political geography called Nigeria.

Mr. Ken Saro Wiwa, the environmental crusader/activist murdered in cold blood by the Federal Government of Nigeria over trumped-up charges, and of course, Major Isaac Adaka Boro, the Ijaw freedom fighter who was also murdered by state instruments.

From our observation, the people of the Niger Delta region are not particularly happy that their region, after being ‘raped’ of its mineral resources for years was not recognized.

Such a development, looking at commentaries, is already causing disaffection in the region and threatening the nascent peace currently being enjoyed.

For the President Muhammadu Buhari’s led Federal Government to, therefore, arrest this brewing hostility, it’s our submission that the Federal Government is holistic in this healing of national wounds by recognizing all those that contributed in great ways to the development of this nation.

It will also not be out of place if the government can summon the political will to apologize to the people of the Niger Delta and other regions whom they have neglected for too long a time despite being the goose that lays the golden egg; and as a reward have these regions developed.

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