The Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams at the weekend said the late Aare MKO Abiola will never be happy in his grave that the democracy he lived and sacrificed his life for has turned to autocracy in nature and practice.
Adams made the remark while speaking at the annual June 12 commemoration anniversary, organized by the Oodua Peoples Congress, at the Excellence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
He lamented that Nigeria’s democracy evolves in disunity, rivalry and wanton killings across the nation, adding that the democracy the late Aare MKO Abiola lived and died for has failed to accomodate the worthy ideals the late Abiola cherished most.
“This present danger has been threatening the fragile union of our great country. And sadly, Nigeria is sliding towards an anarchical terminal point. Nigeria is at war with itself because a section of the country have always betrayed the trust which is the bond that binds us together as a nation.
“A good example of this is the Federal Government’s ban and suspension of the Twitter platform. As far as I am concerned, it is another ploy to tamper with the citizens’ rights to freedom of speech and expression.
“And if the Federal Government succeeds in banning and suspending twitter,it would easily do the same to other social media platforms. Now that the Federal Government has said all social media platforms must be registered to continue operating in the country. We must follow the trend and rise against skewed regulations. We must stop this excessive use of federal might to truncate the ideals of democracy.
“In global democracy, freedom of speech and expression are two major components of an ideal democracy. And Nigeria cannot continue to live in deceit and self denial.
” If democracy could not guarantee freedom of speech and expression, so what system of government will guarantee such component of good governance?
Speaking earlier, the Guest lecturer, Prof David Aworawo,HOD Department of History and strategic studies, University of Lagos,in his Speech, titled:June 12 and National Integrity, said the annualment of June 12 elections, which was adjudged as the freest and fairest in the annals of Nigeria has created a lacuna for the country.
“June 12 elections had given us the opportunities to look back and redress the mistakes of the past. We can only change the narrative by reflecting on the June 12 milestone to achieve national integration and political stability.
“Every country always wish to enjoy the influence and countrol of a big country, but the size of a country largely depends on the control and influence a country has among the comity of nations.”
Other guests at the event include, Prof. Derin Ologbenla, Chairman, Lagos state NUJ Mr. Adeleye Ajayi, Chief Gani Kayode Balogun, Osi Aareonakakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Babajide Tanimowo, Yinka Oguntimehin and other prominent Nigerians.
