The former leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force, Asari Dokubo, has highlighted the significant contributions made by President Bola Tinubu during the fight to restore democracy to Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
okubo, alongside renowned activists such as the former secretary general of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Frank Kokori, and the convener of a Pro-Democracy Group, Awa Bamiji came together to commemorate the involvement of Tinubu and other June 12 activists in the battle for democratic restoration.
The former militant leader emphasised how Tinubu united with fellow June 12 activists to champion the cause of reinstating the mandate given to the late Moshood Abiola, who was the rightful winner of the 1993 presidential election.
During a world press conference held by the Coalition for a Better Nigeria, a pro-democracy organisation, to mark this year’s Democracy Day, Dokubo expressed his satisfaction that the struggle for June 12 had been realized with Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency in the general election held on February 25, 2023.
Dokubo criticised those who were ignorant of the fight to restore democracy, accusing them of baseless claims that their mandates had been stolen.
Additionally, he took a swipe at former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he accused of laying the foundation for Nigeria’s ongoing challenges.
According to Dokubo, Obasanjo was imposed by the military and unjustly benefitted from their actions.
Dokubo stated, “Tinubu fought alongside us from the trenches during June 12. That is why I supported him. I will continue to support President Tinubu because of his principles and his actions during June 12. If Tinubu fails as president, hold me responsible.”
Kokori expressed optimism that Tinubu would not disappoint, emphasising that the June 12 activists firmly believed in the President’s ability to positively transform the nation.
Kokori, a former labour leader, said, “We strongly believe that Asiwaju will turn this country around. The other individuals who have held power for the past 24 years did not grasp the essence of democracy. People like Abiola would be delighted today that, finally, one of those who fought for his freedom and democracy from the trenches has assumed power. This is why we do not take democracy lightly.”
Bamiji, the convener of the pro-democracy group, stressed the need to unite the country and heal the wounds inflicted by the events surrounding June 12.
Bamiji said, “Today, we are delighted that a prominent figure from the June 12 struggle, President Bola Tinubu, has emerged. It is an opportunity for us to rebuild our nation and initiate reconciliation where necessary. Let us leave the past behind and forge national unity, as we have witnessed the best atonement in the person of President Bola Tinubu. Let us forget the past and begin the process of unification.”
