Aareonakakanfo of Yoruba land, Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, Monday, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to overhaul the 1999 constitution for Nigeria to fulfill her dreams, saying the late Abiola’s mandate stands for justice, freedom, equity,liberty, and sustainability of democratic tenets.
Iba Adams made the appeal at the 30th commemoration anniversary of the June 12 1993 at Excellence Hotel in Ogba Ifako- Ijaye area of Lagos state.
Adams stated further the death of the late MKO was not in vain because democracy has come to stay.
He added that though there were challenges that have threatened the foundation of this democracy, he noted that things could be better with proper approach.
“We cannot achieve much if our democracy is tied to the 1999 constitution that we are using presently in Nigeria.
“The 1979 and 1999 constitutions are tools that the military imposed on us to preserve their atrocities.
“And the Constitutions have always remained the bane of Nigeria. That is why we are where we are at the moment.
“Unless we embrace regionalism, and let the federating units develop at their own pace, Nigeria may find it very difficult to realise her lofty dreams.
“With a new administration in power, there is need for President Bola Tinubu to come up with policy direction that has human face.”
Meanwhile, in his remarks, the guest lecturer, Dr Oseni Taiwo Afisi, a professor of Philosophy and Director, Special Interventions,from the Lagos State University,(LASU) spoke on the topic “June 12 election: Identity Politics and the National Question”, explained the role of socio- cultural groups and individuals in advancing democracy.
He added that the Abiola’s view on nation- building was on inclusive government,where every ethnic nationalities would be included in government.
He restated the need for the new administration to look into the influx of Nigerians leaving the country for greener pastures, (Japa) saying there was need for the administration to work on how those great Nigerian would return to the country in order to rebuild the nation.
“We must appreciate the efforts of OPC in sustaining the ideals of this democracy and I believe that Nigerian history will always be kind to the group.
President of Women Arise Initiative, Dr Joe Okei Odumakin spoke about the need to continue to re-invent the spirit of June 12 in national consciousness as we do annually.
“With the number of prominent guests I see here today reminds me of the late Yinka Odumakin.
“Nigerians put aside the primordial influence and vote for the late MKO Abiola.Nigerians must never give up.
“Identity Politics is not really bad but it has been demonised here in Nigeria.All over the world, identity Politics is practised.So we must work on the unity of this country. When there is unity there is peace.
“I am appealing to President Tinubu for the de-anulment of June 12. Abiola must be recognized as one of our past President.He died for our collective struggle.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must be pro active in terms of securing the country and he must also work on reducing the pain that came with removal of subsidy.