By emmanuel MALAGU
The Presidency has strongly denied claims made by former Jigawa
Governor, Sule Lamido, about President Bola Tinubu’s Role in the Annulled June
12, 1993 Election.
In a Statement Titled ‘Setting the Record Straight’,
Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Lamido’s comments as false,
revisionist, and historically dishonest.
Lamido had claimed during a Television Interview that Tinubu
supported the Annulment of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election.
“Lamido’s claims represent a distortion of History and a
regrettable attempt at Revisionism,” Onanuga said.
Lamido alleged that Tinubu only gained prominence after NADECO
was formed and claimed Tinubu’s Mother backed the Annulment.
The former Jigawa Governor also claimed Abibatu Mogaji, Tinubu’s
Mother, mobilised Market Women to support the Annulment of the Election.
“These Allegations are patently false,” Onanuga stated.
Onanuga insisted that Mogaji never mobilised Market Women in
support of the Annulment.
“Had she done so, she would have lost her position as Market
Leader in Lagos,” he added.
Onanuga acknowledged her Relationship with Babangida but said it
existed before the Annulment Crisis.
The Presidential Aide accused Lamido of failing to defend MKO
Abiola’s Mandate as SDP National Secretary.
“Lamido, as SDP Secretary, failed to oppose the Military’s
Injustice after Abiola’s Election Victory,” he said.
“The SDP Leadership, including Lamido and Tony Anenih, shamefully
surrendered the People’s Mandate without resistance.
“Lamido and Anenih allied with the defeated NRC to deny Abiola
his rightful Mandate,” Onanuga alleged.
In contrast, Onanuga said Tinubu, who was then a Senator, stood
firm before Sani Abacha dissolved Democratic Structures on November 17, 1993.
“Following Babangida’s decision to step aside on August 27,
1993, Tinubu strongly opposed the annulment.
“On 19 August 19, 1993, on the Senate Floor, Tinubu condemned
the Annulment, calling it another Coup d’état,” Onanuga stated.
He urged Nigerians then to resist Injustice and Lawlessness.
Tinubu, then representing Lagos West, said the Annulment
constituted another Unconstitutional Seizure of Power.
“We cannot keep tolerating Injustice and Coup d’état from those
funded by Public Money,” Tinubu warned.
Tinubu described the Political Crisis as self-inflicted, caused
by the Annulment of a Free and Fair Election.
He said the government violated its own Decree, committing a
grave offence against its People.
Onanuga highlighted Tinubu’s major role in NADECO and
International efforts like NALICON led by Wole Soyinka.
He said Tinubu’s backing of NADECO and other Pro-Democracy
Movements was crucial in challenging Military Dictatorship.
“Tinubu was a Central Figure in the June 12 Struggle and a
consistent Supporter of Democracy,” Onanuga added.
He said many NADECO Leaders and Journalists credited Tinubu for
funding and sustaining the Resistance.
Onanuga dismissed Lamido’s Narrative as part of a Political
Agenda from a So-Called ‘Coalition of the Disgruntled’.
“The facts remain: Tinubu was — and remains — a Defender of Democracy, unlike Lamido, who capitulated,” Onanuga said.
Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline
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