Guardian

To the former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy, Malam Mamman Yusufu, annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election represents just one of the episodic events in the annals of the country’s history. Speaking to KAMAL TAYO OROPO, the chairman of the Committee for Review of the 1999 Constitution, said the challenge before the country is to now strengthen the institutions of governance under democratic norms.

It is 20 years since the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, in view of justice and fairness associated with the struggle for the revalidation of the election; do you think politicians have been able to meet with delivering of expectation? What is your perception of the reality on ground? Is the sacrifice worth it?

Basically, June 12 threw up two things: the need for a free and fair election and legitimacy of the democratic structures. We must understand that democracy is not only about election, but a comprehensive well-articulated set of programmes supported by acts of governance and separation of power. And these acts of governance and concrete dividends of democracy have not met with general expectation. Over the years, things have not gone as smoothly as they ought to have gone.

The most important challenge before us now, as we move on 14 years of democracy, is to strengthen the institutions of democracy and make them all time enduring in terms of accountability, integrity and performance; and not personalising them. These are part of the challenging scenario in our contemporary politics.

To be more specific on issues pertaining to June 12, there was perception that the struggle was more of a Southwest challenge as against national. Do you think the struggle was properly situated? Does it come to you as a national matter?

Usually, political crisis in post-colonial Africa tend to gravitate towards ethnic colouration even when they start on national platform. This is because of the differences in sentiment and sensibilities as well as pressure on centripetal and centrifugal forces in contention for prominence. In that regard, however, I still don’t believe the June 12 was reduced to Southwest affairs. Agreed, the voices of dissension might be louder in the zone than in other parts of the federation, that is to be expected and easily understandable.

There has been some contention over the proper place in history of the country the place of June 12. Do you think it has been properly and duly recognised?

As a nation, we have passed to vicious milestones and these vicious milestones are indeed numerous. For example, we don’t celebrate the end of the civil war, the assassination of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa-Balewa and so on. These are some milestones. The annulment of the June 12, 1993 has come and gone and later events have come to justify the bases of the struggle itself. June 12 is just one aspect of our national struggles. Attentions it has attracted, in my opinion, are okay. It is just a reminder of what we have been as a nation, so that we don’t forget our past as we move ahead in nation-building.

There has been agitation and effort to immortalise the symbol and winner of the June 12 election. Last year, President Goodluck Jonathan made attempt at renaming University of Lagos after him. Do you think this attempt is sufficient? Does Abiola need to be immortailised?  What step do you think is important to be taken?

One thing is this, whether we like it or not, Chief MKO Abiola and June 12, 1993 presidential election have become part of the contemporary Nigerian history. The issue of immortalising Abiola should not necessarily be over-flogged. One of the major highway roads in Abuja is named after Abiola, and some other things. It is not about Chief Abiola as a person alone, but the process the election represents is what is being celebrated. That, for me, is more important than anything else.

One of the processes is the principle of check and balances as represented by a vibrant legislative arm. To what extent are you satisfied with the performance of the National Assembly?

First thing, I will like to say that, regardless of 14 years into the life of this democracy, it is still a learning process.  Generally, I think they have not fared badly, both the legislative arm and the executive in their relationship with each other. Now, the check and balances is being brought to fore, particularly in terms of separation of powers. I will say, I am satisfied to a certain extent.