Enemies Within

Tuesday, June 12, 2018 will remain a significant day in the history of Nigeria for various reasons. It was not just about the apologies from PMB to the MKO family and Nigerians and vice versa, and it went beyond the eminent personalities who gathered at the Banquet Hall of the State House, Abuja, to witness a momentous occasion.

Beyond meeting the yearning of longsuffering Nigerians on the recognition of June 12 as the new Democracy Day in Nigeria, the new hero PMB also listened to messages from the Media to the Legislature and Civil Society, and from those who were in the trenches back then in 1993.

This reporter, who watched the programme live on television, noted the figures of unsung heroes reeled out at the event. From the 96 citizens who perished during June 12 protests on the streets of Lagos way back on July 6, 1993; to the 594-member House of Representatives back then; to the names on the lists brandished by both the former labour leader and civil society representative.

Ironically, as June 12 finally gained its due recognition, the freedom from poverty which was the mantra back then in 1993 has not yet materialised, neither is that hope 93 reflected in the lives of millions of Nigerians. Poverty is still endemic and the economy is harsher than back in 1993.

The prayer is that PMB would listen to the useful tips of those who advised him from the podium that day. As stated, the people are not his enemies, but those who surround and prevent him from seeing the bitter reality Nigerians face daily. These are the real enemies of Nigeria’s development and progress, and President must be wary of them if he truly wants to continue in power...simple truth