A gala night commemorating Nigeria’s first nationally observed June 12 Democracy Day held at the Aso Villa Banquet Hall on Tuesday, with President Muhammadu Buhari hosting some foreign leaders, along with Nigerian political leaders.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo gave the toast at the event, which was also attended by President of Namibia Hage Geingob, President of Liberia, George Weah and politicians such as the APC National leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
l-R Aisha Buhari, President Buhari, President Hage Geingob of Namibia and President George Weah of Liberia
Aisha, wife of the President and Dolapo, wife of the Vice President were also at the occasion. Photos by Novo Isioro.
June 12 commemorates Nigeria’s first freest and fairest election in 1993, won by Chief MKO Abiola.
VP Yemi Osinbajo gives a toast for democarcy
However, the election was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
The annulment unleashed a political struggle, in which the media and the opposition political class were the targets of repression by the Abacha administration.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dolapo and Osinbajo
Dolapo Osinbajo, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and VP Osinbajo
President Buhari chats with new Senate President, Lawan, Dolapo Osinbajo, Osinbajo
Many Nigerians were jailed and many fled into exile, until 1998 when Abacha’s successor, Abdulsalami Abubakar began another round of democratisation that has endured for 20 years, since May 1999.
In a move that was hugely unanticipated last year, President Buhari declared June 12 a public holiday and gave a posthumous honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic to MKO Abiola. The award is the highest in Nigeria, the same that Abiola would have received if his election had not been annulled by the Babangida junta.
On Wednesday, 12 June 2019, Nigerians will roll out the drums to mark Democracy Day, declared so by President Muhammadu Buhari. To emphasize the importance of that day in the political history of the country, the Federal Government made the day to take the shine off 29 May, the hand-over date which, this year, was marked low-key.
On 11 June 1994, MKO Abiola declared himself the democratic president of Nigeria in the Epetedo area of Lagos. It was a day to the first anniversary of “June 12, 1993,” when Abiola, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, won the country’s presidential elections with a majority of 58.36% of the total votes cast. With that, he clinched 20 out of 30 states against the candidate of the National Republican Convention (NRC), Bashir Tofa.
Notwithstanding that the election was widely considered by national and international observers as the nation’s freest and fairest, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Nigeria’s military president, decided to throw spanner in the works. He annulled the election.
It was a move that drove political activists, critical media, human rights lawyers, progressive students into the trenches. The National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was one of the outcomes.
Meanwhile, a year after the annulment and the installation of an interim government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan, General Sani Abacha sent the government packing at gun point though it was widely believed that Shonekan resigned.
It was at this point when “interim” ought to have yielded to a substantive democratic government headed by Abiola that Abacha came into the picture. The SDP candidate would have none of that! He drew a line in the sand.
Abiola, therefore, declared himself the president of Nigeria in the Epetedo area of Lagos on 11 June 11, 1994. Abacha, the Adolf Hitler of that period, in gestapo style, deployed 200 police vehicles to arrest and detain Abiola. He slammed treason charges on him.
For Abiola, it was a journey of no return. He died in detention on 7 July, 1998, after spending four years in the slammer.
Bellow is his speech
People of Nigeria, exactly one year ago, you turned out in your millions to vote for me, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
But politicians in uniform, who call themselves soldiers but are more devious than any civilian would want to be, deprived you of your God-given right to be ruled by the President you had yourselves elected.
These soldier-politicians introduced into our body politic, a concept hitherto unknown to our political lexicography, something strangely called the ‘annulment’ of an election perceived by all to have been the fairest, cleanest and most peaceful ever held in our nation.
Since that abominable act of naked political armed robbery occurred, I have been constantly urged by people of goodwill, both in Nigeria and abroad, to put the matter back into the people’s hands and get them to actualise the mandate they gave me at the polls.
But mindful of the need to ensure that peace continues to reign in our fragile federation, I have so far tried to pursue sweet reason and negotiation.
My hope has always been to arouse whatever remnants of patriotism are left in the hearts of these thieves of your mandate, and to persuade them that they should not allow their personal desire to rule to usher our beloved country into an era of political instability and economic ruin.
All I have sought to do, in seeking dialogue with them, has been to try and get them to realise that only real democracy can move our nation forward towards progress, and earn her the respect she deserves from the international community.
However, although this peaceful approach has exposed me to severe censure by some who have mistaken it for weakness on my part, those with whom I have sought to dialogue have remained like stones, neither stirred to show loyalty to the collective decision of the people of their own country, nor to observe Allah’s injunction that they should exhibit justice and fair-play in all their dealings with their fellow men.
Appeals to their honour as officers and gentlemen of the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces, have fallen on deaf ears.
Instead, they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda.
They arrest everyone who disagrees with them. Even the 71-year old hero of our nation, Chief Anthony Enahoro, was not spared.
How much longer can we tolerate all this? People of Nigeria, you are all witnesses that I have tried to climb the highest mountain, cross the deepest river and walk the longest mile, in order to get these men to obey the will of our people.
There is no humiliation I have not endured, no snare that has not been put in my path, no ‘setup’ that has not been designed for me in my endeavour to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that you bestowed on me one year ago.
It has been a long night. But the dawn is here.
Today, people of Nigeria, I join you all in saying, “Enough is Enough!
We have endured 24 years of military rule in our 34 years of independence.
Military rule has led to our nation fighting a civil war with itself. Military rule has destabilised our nation today as not before in its history.
Military rule has impoverished our people and introduced a dreadful trade in drugs which has made our country’s name an anathema in many parts of the world.
Even soccer fans going to watch the Green Eagles display in America are being made to suffer there needlessly because Nigeria’s name is linked with credit card and fraud and ‘419.’
Politically, military rule has torn to shreds the prestige due to our country because of its size and population.
The permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council that should be rightfully ours, is all but lost.
For who will vote for Nigeria to get the seat if Nigerian military rulers do not respect the votes of their own people?
Enough of military rule.
We are sickened to see people who have shown little or no personal achievement, either in building up private businesses, or making success of any tangible thing, being placed in charge of the management of our nation’s economy, by rulers who are not accountable to anyone.
Enough of square pegs in round holes.
We are tired of the military’s repetitive tendency to experiment with our economy: Today, they say “no controls.” Tomorrow; they say “Full controls”. The day after, they say “Fine tuning”. The next day, they say “Devaluation.” A few days later, they say “Revalue the same naira upwards again Abi?”
All we can see are the consequences of this permanent game of military “about turns;” high inflation, a huge budget deficit and an enormous foreign debt repayment burden, dying industries, high unemployment and a demoralised populace.
Our youths, in particular, can see no hope on the horizon, and many can only dream of escaping from our shores to join the brain drain. Is this the Nigeria we want?
We are plagued also by periodic balance of payments crises, which have led to a perennial shortage of essential drugs, that has turned our hospitals and clinics into mortuaries.
A scarcity of books and equipment has rendered our schools into desolate deserts of ignorance.
Our factories are crying for machinery, spare parts and raw materials. But each day that passes, instead of these economic diseases being cured, they are rather strengthened as an irrational allocation of foreign exchange based on favouritism and corruption becomes the order of the day.
Enough is enough of economic mismanagement! People of Nigeria, during the election campaign last year, I presented you with a programme entitled “HOPE ’93.”
This programme was aimed precisely at solving these economic (problems) that have demoralised us all.
I toured every part of Nigeria to present this programme to you the electorate. I was questioned on it at public rallies and press conferences and I had the privilege of incorporating into it much of the feedback that I obtained from the people.
Because you knew I would not only listen to you but deliver superb results from the programme, you voted for me in your millions and gave me an overwhelming majority over my opponent.
To be precise, you gave me 58.4 per cent of the popular vote and a majority in 20 out of 30 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Not only that, you also enabled me to fulfil the constitutional requirement that the winner should obtain one-third of the votes in two-thirds of the states.
I am sure that when you cast an eye on the moribund state of Nigeria today, you ask yourselves: ‘What have we done to deserve this, when we have a president-elect who can lead a government that can change things for the better? Our patience has come to an end.’
As of now, from this moment, a new Government of National Unity is in power throughout the length and breadth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led by me, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, as President and Commander-in-Chief.
The National Assembly is hereby reconvened. All dismissed governors are reinstated. The State Assemblies are reconstituted, as are all local government councils.
I urge them to adopt a bi-partisan approach to all the issues that come before them.
At the national level, a bi-partisan approach will be our guiding principle. I call upon the usurper, General Sani Abacha, to announce his resignation forthwith, together with the rest of his illegal ruling council.
We are prepared to enter into negotiations with them to work out the mechanics for a smooth transfer of power.
I pledge that if they hand over quietly, they will be retired with all their entitlements, and their positions will be accorded all the respect due to them.
For our objective is neither recrimination nor witch-hunting, but an enforcement of the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed in free elections conducted by the duly constituted authority of the time.
I hereby invoke the mandate bestowed upon me by my victory in the said election, to call on all members of the Armed Forces and the Police, the Civil and Public Services throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to obey only the Government of National Unity that is headed by me, your only elected President.
My Government of National Unity is the only legitimate, constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as of now.
People of Nigeria, these are challenging times in the history of our continent, Africa, and we in Nigeria must not allow ourselves to be left behind.
Our struggle is the same as that waged by the people of South Africa, which has been successfully concluded, with the inauguration of Mr. Nelson Mandela as the first African President of that country.
Nelson Mandela fought to replace MINORITY rule with MAJORITY rule.
We in Nigeria are also fighting to replace MINORITY rule, for we are ruled by only a tiny section of our armed forces.
Like the South Africans, we want MAJORITY rule today, that is rule only by those chosen by all the people of Nigeria as a whole in free and fair elections.
The only difference between South Africa and Nigeria is that those who imposed minority rule on the majority rule whether it is by black or white, remains minority rule, and must be booted out.
I call on you, heroic people of Nigeria, to emulate the actions of your brothers and sisters in South Africa and stand up as one person to throw away the yoke of minority rule for ever.
The antics of every minority that oppresses the majority are always the same. They will try to intimidate you with threats of police action. But do not let us fear arrest.
In South Africa, so many people were arrested, during the campaign against the Pass Laws, for instance, that the jails could not hold all of them. Today, apartheid is gone forever.
So, let it be with Nigeria.
Let us say goodbye forever to minority rule by the military.
They talk of treason. But haven’t they heard of the Rivonia treason trial in South Africa? Did those treason trials halt the march of history?
People of Nigeria, our time is now. You are the repository of power in the land.
No one can give you power. It is yours. Take it!
From this day, show to the world that anyone who takes the people of Nigeria for fools is deceiving himself and will have the people to answer to.
God bless you all. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Government of National Unity.
See what Van Dijk said after 1-0 defeat to Portugal yesterday in Porto.
Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk, has insisted that he was “very proud” of his team after narrowly being edged out by hosts Portugal in the UEFA Nations League final.
Goncalo Guedes scored the game’s only goal after 60 minutes, with a powerful shot from the edge of the box as van Dijk and central defensive partner Matthijs de Ligt hesitated.
Although the Dutch came close to equalising a few times, the host nation held on for victory.
Senator Boroffice withdraws from Deputy Senate Presidency race for the ninth assembly.
Ahead of Tuesday’s inauguration of the National Assembly, front-line contender for the position of Deputy Senate President, Senator Ajayi Boroffice, has withdrawn from the race.
In a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Kayode Fakuyi, and made available to newsmen stated that “in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari”, Senator Borofice steps down for another contender for the position.
It was gathered that the decision was rectified last night at the caucus meeting of All Progressives Congress, APC, Senators-elect.
A source however disclosed that the third-term senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District stepped down for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State.
The press statement issued on Monday read, “Some weeks ago, Distinguished Senator (Prof.) Robert Ajayi Boroffice, OON declared intention, through letters addressed to Senators-elect, to seek the office of Deputy Senate President. The intention to contest was anchored on the deep conviction that with his excellent public service record, rich legislative experience and personality, he has the best credentials for the position.
“Consequently, he embarked on extensive consultations with party leaders, senators-elect and political groups. Indeed, everybody that was consulted agreed that he is eminently qualified to seek the office of Deputy Senate President.
“Instructively, majority Senators-elect have assured the senator of their support and the prospect of victory is high.
“However, in deference to President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice has decided to withdraw from the race.
“For the support and solidarity, Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice is grateful to Senators-elect. He is humbled by the warm embrace and great display of camaraderie.
“We appreciate the people of Ondo North senatorial district and our friends across the country for the prayers, support and goodwill messages.
“For the far-reaching endorsements, steadfastness and unflinching support, gratitude goes to all concerned political groups across the country especially, the APC Young Stakeholders group, the Women for Buhari and Osinbajo group, and the Ondo APC Youth League,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the stepping down of Borofice has reduced the number of aspirants jostling for the Deputy Senate President’s position.
Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Kabiru Gaya, Senator Francis Alimikhena and Ovie Omo-Agege have shown interest in becoming the Deputy Senate President of the ninth Senate.
President of the Eighth Senate, Bukola Saraki, has asked the National Assembly management to distribute his severance allowance to the families of three victims of the insurgency in the North-East geopolitical zone being perpetrated by Boko Haram.
He also said children of late senators in need of financial assistance should also benefit from the largesse.
Saraki is entitled to N7.452m as contained on the website of the Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the management of the National Assembly and the National Assembly Service Commission would also arrange another special package for him as Chairman of the federal parliament.
The amount however, could not be established as of the time of filing this report.
Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, specifically asked Mohammed Sani-Omolori-led management of the federal parliament to ensure that it supports the families of Leah Sharibu with part of the money.
Saraki donates severance allowance to Leah Sharibu’s family
Leah who is being held by Boko Haram after she and other girls were abducted from Dapchi town in Yobe State would benefit. Also two humanitarian workers abducted and murdered by the insurgents, Hussaini Ahmed Khoisan and Hauwa Liman.
Also to benefit are children of late members of the eighth Senate who may require financial assistance in their education . A trust fund is to be established by the management of the National Assembly for the purpose.
According to him, 20 per cent of the severance allowance should be donated to the family of Leah Sharibu. While 20 per cent should be paid to the family of Hauwa Liman. Hauwa was the aid worker brutally murdered by Boko Haram after she was captured.
Another 20 percent should be donated to the family of the second aid worker, Hussaini Ahmed Khoisan murdered by BokoHaram.
The remaining 40 per cent, according to the statement, should be used by the National Assembly management.
Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in November/December could be in Nigeria or three possible venues back home in the UK, according to Eddie Hearn.
The fight could also take place back at MSG in New York or in a more obscure African/Asian location as the camp are currently considering all offers for what has become a global heavyweight event after last week’s stunning upset.
Andy Ruiz Jr knocked Anthony Joshua down four times, causing a seventh-round stoppage.
While it was initially assumed that the second bout would undoubtedly be back in Britain, Hearn has revealed that Joshua is tempted to return to the States in an attempt to vanquish his New York demons.
The promoter told iFL TV: “AJ said, ‘Do you think it would be a big statement if I came back and put the wrong right at MSG?’
UK Prospects for Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Rematch
“I said, ‘From a marketing, fairy-tale perspective – yeah, absolutely. But you have to win this fight and you’re at a much bigger advantage if this fight’s in the UK.’
“For me, the fight should be in the UK. You came to Andy Ruiz’s country to take this fight, it doesn’t make you a bad person having a rematch in the UK.
Anthony Joshua previously beat Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin at Wembley
“But he’s the kind of sick individual who’s so competitive that, I think in his mind, to put it right there [at MSG] would be a statement people never forget.”
On the UK side of things, Hearn explained that three stadiums are in contention to possibly host the bout.
“There are discussions for White Hart Lane, Wembley and Cardiff [Principality],” he continued.
“I think AJ likes the Wembley fight, obviously he’s had a lot of good nights there, but in November the weather is not the best, potentially.
“But does that suit us more? I don’t know how Andy Ruiz likes it in the rain.”
Tottenham’s new stadium has been touted as a potential venue
Elsewhere in the world, venues in Africa and Asia have also made approaches, though the frontrunners remain either MSG in New York or a British stadium.
When asked if any wildcard options had came to the fore, Hearn told Fight Hub: “Lots actually, in the Middle-East – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai, Abu Dhabi.
“We’ve had some approaches from Nigeria. So it’s possible the Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz Jr rematch in November/December could be in Nigeria. Although, I still think the favourites are UK or the US.”
HIGH blood pressure is a tricky condition to spot, but left untreated, serious and even life-threatening health complications can occur. One of the best ways to keep blood pressure in check and to lower high blood pressure is to make changes to your diet – you may want to consider drinking a certain juice daily.
High blood pressure can be difficult to spot because symptoms are rarely noticeable. The best way to find out your reading is to have your blood pressure checked by your GP or pharmacist or to use a blood pressure monitor at home. If high blood pressure is left untreated, the arteries will begin to harden and thicken, leading to heart attack and stroke. But the condition can often be prevented or reduced by eating a healthy diet.
The NHS recommends cutting down on the amount of salt in your food and to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.
When it comes to the best fruit and vegetables to eat for blood pressure, new research has shown the positive effects of tomato juice.
Tomato juice was found to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol in people at risk of heart disease.
The 481 Japanese participants in the study were provided with as much unsalted tomato juice as they wanted for a whole year.
Study
They kept “tomato juice diaries” in which they recorded exactly how much they consumed each day, in addition to any health changes they noticed.
Blood pressure dropped by three per cent on average in 94 participants with untreated pre-hypertension or hypertension, according to the findings published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition.
Among those with high cholesterol, 125 experienced a 3.3 per cent average fall in the fatty substance which can block blood vessels causing heart attacks and strokes.
The beneficial effects were similar among men, women and different age groups, according to the research team from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
But Victoria Taylor, senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said more research is needed to accurately represent the health benefits of tomato juice.
She said: “The Japanese population is likely to be different to that of the UK, so we shouldn’t generalise.
“The study also fails to look at what else participants were eating or whether they had consumed tomatoes in other forms and it does not take lifestyle factors into account which could have affected their blood pressure and cholesterol level.
Report said increasing your daily intake of fruit and vegetables, including tomatoes, helps maintain a healthy heart and circulatory system.
But warned against drinking more than one 150ml portion of fruit or vegetable juice per day due to the high sugar content.
Another way high blood pressure can be prevented or reduced is by keeping active.
Regular exercise has been shown to keep the heart and blood vessels in a good condition and can help you lose weight, which can also help lower blood pressure.
Experts advise adults do at lest 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as cycling or fast walking every week.
There is no doubt that popular Nigerian singer Wizkid knows how to get people grooving to most of his songs. His latest joint with Larry Gaaga is a testament to this.
The singer’s recent single titled Low seems to be a complete favorite for Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe. She recently made a surprising revelation about the musical composition.
In a video shared on Instagram Aigbe is seen making subtly sensual moves for the camera as the song played in the background.
She also revealed in the caption that accompanied the post, that the song ‘turns her on so bad’. Also adding that a willing anonymous tip should help her get the two singers attention.
Rapper and Songwriter Folarin Falana, better known by his stage name Falz, has made a sensational revelation about ‘’ practice in churches.
Falz who spoke in a new interview with Silverbird TV, revealed the practice which is often done to welcome first-timers in church howbeit discouraged him after he experienced it.
In the interview which was granted after announcing the second edition of his headline concert, The Falz Experience, the multi-talented Nigerian artiste feel the practice should be redressed.
The entertainer revealed he valued spirituality over religion however believe that does not make him less of a christian.
He said, “I have nothing against the church or going to church. Everyone has the right to practice the religion they desire. It has been a while that I have been to church. It does not make me less of a Christian.
“The reason is that I went to a few churches and, during sermons, I was put under undue pressure. There was a time that a pastor called me to the altar just to acknowledge my presence for being in church.
“In my mind, I felt that the service was not about me. I felt that everybody was there to worship God, yet they were putting undue pressure on me. The pastor gave me the microphone to address the congregation and I was puzzled; what did he expect me to say to the congregation?”
He also spoke on the criticisms that greeted the release of the album stating that, “My songs are always going to be heard. The world is a lot smaller now; it only takes one post and it’s everywhere regardless of the attempts by powers that be to try to stop stuff here and there.
If you’re making this kind of music, you have to always be ready for the worst. Of course, ‘This is Nigeria’ was banned. We’re still in court. But I have my fundamental rights so you can’t really stop that regardless of what body you are.”
Speaking on his concert set to hold on June 8, 2019 at Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Falz explained that the Falz Experience is a one of a kind musical theatre show that showcases the unique sides of Falz the Bahd Guy, but this time with a twist.
After setting the bar so high in 2017, the award-winning musician has also announced that he has a special surprise for the concert goers on the 8th.
While fans can only speculate as to what Falz’s big surprises are, there are a couple of things they know for sure. On the top of that list is the fact that the show would start at exactly 8pm. Granted the fact that the show will be produced by Livespot, fans can also look forward to a breathtaking cinematic night of music and theatrics.
Early bird tickets for the show have sold out so one can expect that fans will definitely show up for the highly anticipated event in their numbers.
