As Nigeria commemorates Democracy Day on June 12, the shadows of the past loom large, with the annulment of the 1993 presidential election and the subsequent disappearance of activists and journalists remaining a painful chapter in the nation’s history. Naija247news reports that former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB), who annulled the election, has once again come under scrutiny for his role in the events that led to the disappearance of several individuals during his regime.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the annulment of the June 12 election, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest poll, triggered widespread protests and a brutal crackdown by the military government. Many activists, journalists, and pro-democracy advocates were arrested, tortured, or went missing during this period. Among the most notable cases is that of journalist Dele Giwa, who was killed by a letter bomb in 1986, and activist Alfred Rewane, who was assassinated in 1995.
Naija247news gathered that families of the missing persons have renewed calls for justice, urging the government to reopen investigations into the unresolved cases. “We have waited for decades to know the truth about what happened to our loved ones. It’s time for closure,” said Tunde Giwa, son of the late Dele Giwa, who spoke to Naija247news.
Naija247news understands that General Babangida, in a recent interview, denied direct responsibility for the disappearances, stating that his administration was committed to maintaining peace and stability. “We made difficult decisions in the interest of the nation. I cannot be held accountable for every action taken during that period,” IBB said.
According to Naija247news, human rights groups have dismissed IBB’s claims, describing them as an attempt to rewrite history. “The annulment of June 12 and the subsequent crackdown on dissent were clear violations of human rights. Those responsible must be held accountable,” said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Watch, who spoke to Naija247news.
Naija247news reports that the Nigerian government has yet to respond to the calls for justice, despite repeated appeals from civil society organizations. The June 12 commemoration, which was declared Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, has become a platform for reflecting on the sacrifices made by those who fought for Nigeria’s democracy.
As the nation marks another Democracy Day, Naija247news gathered that the families of the missing persons are determined to keep their memories alive. “We will not rest until we get justice for our loved ones. Their sacrifices must not be in vain,” said a family member of one of the victims.
Naija247news will continue to monitor developments in this story and provide updates on the quest for justice. For now, the mystery of Nigeria’s missing persons remains a stark reminder of the price paid for the democracy enjoyed today.
