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Coalition lauds Tinubu, Calls for Recognition of June 12 Activists and Martyrs
In commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been urged to recognise ‘Activists and Martyrs’, and others who fought and lost their lives in the struggle to sustain the nation’s democracy.
This year’s Democracy Day celebration makes it the 32nd year after the then military government annulled the historic June 12, 1993, Presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola, hence prominent civil society organisations have stressed the need for Tinubu to accord due recognition to so many unsung heroes who fought for the actualization of democracy in Nigeria.
The duo of Defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) and Nigeria’s Unite for Democracy (NUD) made the call at a world press conference held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, in Lagos, noting that while some prominent activists were given the desired honor, too many ordinary people are forgotten.
The Convener of the coalition, Comrade Razaq Olokooba said the conference was in commemoration of Nigeria’s Democracy Day and the 32nd year anniversary of the historic June 12 1993 presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola.
Olokooba in his word stated: “I welcome you all with profound gratitude, particularly to our falling fighters in the anti-military struggles, who were murdered or martyred across the streets of our beloved country with the hope that the survivors will keep the dream alive so that our struggle and efforts shall not be in vain and the surviving June 12 activists with tremendous nostalgia, because in retrospect we have been on a journey of no return most especially when we are yet to reach our destination, in other words, our dream remains a dream.
“That historic election, which has been variously adjudged as the freest and fairest election in Nigeria’s history, was sadly and treasonably annulled by the General Ibrahim Babangida military junta for his interest of self-perpetuation in power.
“However, Nigerians in unison with a common destiny, rose in stout defiance of the guns and bullets to insist on the de-annulment of the election at great cost of loss of human lives, limbs, property and freedom which culminated in the forced retreat of the military from Nigeria’s political life and birth the current democratic dispensation on May 29, 1999.
The groups noted that June 12 has become a symbol of national unity and consciousness, showcasing Nigerians’ ability to unite around an ideology despite our differences.
They added, “The annulment of the June 12 election didn’t just mark a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is also a symbol of our democratic culture, resilience, and self-awareness. This event has inspired a bibliography of its own, highlighting its significance in Nigeria’s history.
“The declaration of June 12 as a national public holiday by President Muhammadu Buhari has given the epoch its pride of place in Nigeria’s socio-political calendar. This move has helped to promote the value and symbolism of June 12. However, we need to deepen the gains of the lessons of June 12.
“We must use this medium to congratulate Nigerians for keeping faith with democracy despite the challenges that confront us as a people with 26 years of an unprecedented and unbroken democratic system and like the saying goes, a people united, can never be defeated.
“While acknowledging the initial pains and inconvenience, we congratulate and commend President Bola Tinubu for his bold and daring economic reforms, which have extinguished the hemorrhaging of our economy through the termination of the fuel subsidy regime and the unification of the foreign exchange system. By these two critical policies, the President Tinubu administration has saved the country the loss of about $10bn annually in the last two years and the result is that the three tiers of government now receive almost triple their allocations from the federation account to enable them to provide the dividends of democracy to the citizenry,” the Convener stated.
Olokooba further stated: “We can all see the gains of the economic re-engineering of the President Bola Tinubu administration begin to manifest in infrastructural renewal as well as other policies which are making positive impacts in every other sector of the Nigerian economy, for example, Lagos Calabar Coastal highway, Lagos Sokoto highway, naira for crude, NELFUND, tax reforms bills, etc.
“However, as much as we are holding the federal government accountable for its account of stewardship in the last two years of the President Bola Tinubu administration, it is very important for us to demand the same from our states and local government councils administration who are beneficiaries of this unprecedented largesse from the federation account now.”
While reiterating the foundation laid by the President in Lagos State, the groups stated, “Importantly, special mention must be made of Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu the executive governor of Lagos State who has continued on the templates for political, economic and infrastructural development of the state as laid down in the state by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the then governor of the state. Without a blink of an eye, Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu has not only sustained the developmental architecture of the state, but he continues to sustain the progressive legacies left behind by President Tinubu’s administration in the state.
“This notwithstanding, there is a compelling need to deepen the gains of the lessons of June 12.
“There is no administration since 1999 that can be acknowledged as the Baby of the June 12 struggle than the present administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. This is not only because the President was a key player among those who made sacrifices in those days and who, later as governor of Lagos State was adept at innovations towards development and defiance of authoritarian central government, but also because of its richness in progressive elements and democrats.
“It is therefore not surprising that alongside policies geared towards economic and socio-political transformation, the government has also not forgotten the heroes of the past. This cannot be denied and we are not about to do that.
“However, we make bold to state that this recognition appears to have been one-sided. The heroic deeds of the grassroots people defined that struggle. Their resilience bore the banner forward and their sweet and blood watered the flowers of struggle. Too many unsung heroes. Too many forgotten ordinary people. President Tinubu, himself
a player in the board room and in the street of struggle, need to pay attention to this.
“Therefore, we demand that the President give due recognition to the Coalition of June 12 Activists and Martyrs.
“There should also be a monument to the unsung heroes of June 12. They are our own unknown soldiers.
“The government at all levels needs to urgently address security issues by leveraging technology and community participation. State police and community policing have become a matter of urgency, beyond rhetorics and sentimental considerations. Security in the real sense should be the duty of the people, not as empty declarations but with indigenous and innovative inputs.”
- Says Legislative-Executive Synergy, Key to National Stability
- Akpabio is a Pillar of Legislative Maturity and National Unity- Adodo
As thousands of young Nigerians gathered in Abuja for the Nigeria Youth Walk for Democracy and Renewed Hope to mark this year’s Democracy Day, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has commended the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for his stabilizing leadership and strategic collaboration with the executive arm in advancing the nation’s democratic governance.
In a spirited address delivered by NYCN President, Comrade Solomon Adodo, the council celebrated Senator Akpabio as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s institutional harmony, whose legislative stewardship continues to uphold and safeguard the core tenets of democracy.
“The peace and continuity we enjoy in our democratic process today is largely attributed to a functional and cooperative National Assembly. Under Senator Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate has worked with maturity, dialogue, and foresight, providing the enabling environment for the Renewed Hope Agenda to thrive.” Adodo said.
Held in Abuja on Thursday, with participants marching from Unity Fountain to Eagle Square, the walk attracted thousands of youth leaders, civil society groups, student unions, and government officials. While paying homage to the heroes of June 12, the event also spotlighted modern champions of democracy, with Senator Akpabio singled out for his role in ensuring institutional balance and effective policy implementation through legislative action.
The Council, praised the Senate’s collaborative posture, noting that it has enabled the swift passage of youth-centered reforms, economic development legislation, and critical national security bills, all instrumental in addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges.
“Akpabio’s leadership in the Senate has been pivotal in reducing friction between the branches of government, creating a more stable political environment where national policies are aligned and executed seamlessly.”
Comrade Adodo, also emphasized that the success of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is closely tied to the National Assembly’s support in passing responsive and timely legislation. Under Senator Akpabio, the Senate has maintained a steady focus on national interest, transparency, and progressive engagement.
“Democracy is a collective enterprise. It demands cooperation, sacrifice, and vision. Senator Akpabio has modeled these values, ensuring that the National Assembly remains a true partner in governance and a pillar of democratic stability.” He added.
News
PMAN Leadership Crisis: Police Exonerate Pretty Okafor, Uncover Forgery, Fraud and Failed Coup Attempt
The months-long leadership crisis rocking the Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) has taken a dramatic turn, as Nigeria Police investigations have cleared National President Pretty Okafor of all wrongdoing and exposed a complex plot involving forged court documents, unauthorized financial transactions, and attempts to hijack the union’s assets.
At a world press conference held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the PMAN National Secretariat in Lekki, Lagos, Pretty Okafor presented a Certified True Copy of the Police Investigation Report, which emphatically vindicates his leadership and uncovers the motives behind the failed internal coup.
According to the report, there is no evidence supporting allegations of constitutional breaches, forgery, or financial impropriety leveled against Okafor. The complaints, which culminated in his illegal suspension while he was on official assignment in Spain, were found to be in gross violation of PMAN’s constitution, particularly Articles 13(C)(iv) and 18(B).
Furthermore, the Police determined that proper disciplinary procedures—such as NEC deliberation and Disciplinary Committee hearings—were never followed.
Among the most damning revelations was the exposure of a forged Post No Debit (PND) order allegedly procured to freeze Pretty Okafor’s personal bank accounts. The police linked this fraudulent order to Inspector Caleb Samuel of the IGP Monitoring Unit and a court clerk in Minna, Niger State.
The clerk has been dismissed and referred for criminal prosecution, while the inspector is under investigation by the Police Provost Marshal.
In addition, the Police discredited a fraudulent consent judgment (Suit No. NICN/LA/360/2024), filed without PMAN’s knowledge or participation. The judgment was orchestrated to lend legitimacy to the plotters and manipulate the legal system from outside Lagos jurisdiction.
The press conference also revealed that individuals involved in the failed coup—including Boniface Itodo, Faga Bem-Paul, Sunny Neji, Zaaky Azzay, and Michael “Ruggedman” Stephen—illegally broke into and occupied the PMAN National Secretariat on March 1 and 3, 2025. Their actions prompted police intervention and subsequent arrests.
Following this, the National Executive Council (NEC) convened on March 16, 2025, in Abuja and removed all offending members from office. Acting officials were appointed in accordance with PMAN’s constitutional provisions.
In a startling disclosure, Okafor revealed that the entire crisis was rooted in efforts to take control of PMAN’s growing assets. Under his administration, PMAN had achieved several historic milestones:
* Acquisition of a fully owned National Secretariat
* Launch of PMAN FM with cutting-edge broadcast equipment
* Flag-off of the PMAN Abuja Monaco Project, a multi-million-naira property venture
In 2024, Olusco Heritage & Investment Ltd, headed by Mr. Olufemi Olumeyan, was contracted to manage the Monaco Project. Investigations have now revealed:
* Unauthorized collection of over ₦350 million from subscribers
* Failure to meet project obligations
* Suspicion of illicit financial transactions under forensic scrutiny
The NEC has now resolved to safeguard these investments through an Asset Management Company, ensuring that PMAN’s properties and funds remain protected from further exploitation.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on May 5, 2025, officially reaffirmed Pretty Okafor’s position as National President, with the association’s headquarters recognized at the Lekki Secretariat. The letter recognizes the valid National Delegates Conference held on October 24, 2023, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, where Okafor and other executives were elected unopposed.
Okafor disclosed that he has initiated legal action to stay and overturn the fraudulent judgment in Suit Nos. NICN/LA/26/2025 and NICN/LA/48/2025, pledging to pursue civil and criminal sanctions against all conspirators.
“This isn’t just about PMAN—it’s about defending due process, integrity, and the rights of all Nigerian musicians,” Okafor told reporters. “We will not only rebuild, but we will also pursue justice—without compromise.”
News
Okpella Kingship: Ukhomunyio Leaders Storm Government House, Benin Palace, Reject Sado as Okuokpellagbe
In a powerful show of unity and resistance, traditional leaders, youths, women, and persons living with disabilities from the Ukhomunyio village in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, staged a major protest today against what they described as an illegal and undemocratic imposition of Michael Sado as the Okuokpellagbe (traditional ruler) of Okpella.
The demonstrators first marched to the Edo State Government House in Benin City, where they submitted a strongly worded petition to Governor Monday Okpebholo, before proceeding to the Palace of the Oba of Benin, where they sought the monarch’s intervention in the unfolding traditional leadership crisis.
Holding placards with inscriptions such as “Okpella Tradition Must Be Respected”, “No to Illegal Installation”, and “Ukhomunyio Demands Justice”, the protesters condemned what they called the “kangaroo process” that led to the purported selection and presentation of the staff of office to Mr. Michael Sado.
The group, speaking under the banner of the Concerned Citizens of Ukhomunyio, described Sado’s emergence as Okuokpellagbe as a “travesty and a blatant violation of both the traditional selection process and the extant customary laws governing succession in Okpella.”
In their official statement titled “Re: Position of Ukhomunyio Concerned Citizens on the Selection of the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella”, the group expressed deep disappointment over what they described as the state government’s failure to uphold the law despite earlier assurances.
“The Okpella community received the Governor’s April 30, 2025 press release with joy and hope. It promised a credible process anchored on the extant law. Yet, a select few ignored this directive and unlawfully installed Michael Sado,” the statement read.
They cited specific violations of the Declaration of Customary Law Regulating Succession to the Traditional Title of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, particularly the failure to allow the Ukhomunyio branch of the Oteku Ruling House, whose turn it is to produce the next Okuokpellagbe, to properly nominate a candidate.
According to the protesters, “No meeting of adult males of the appropriate branch was convened. No Kingmakers were involved. Instead, a theatrical selection process led by a non-existent electoral body allocated scores arbitrarily, with Mr. Sado reportedly awarded 16 points and other so-called candidates given none.”
They also reminded the Governor that any action contrary to the Declaration of Customary Law and the Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Edict of 1979 is unlawful and void, emphasizing that “the issuance of staff of office to Michael Sado constitutes a breach of both law and tradition.”
The group urged Governor Okpebholo to immediately:
1. Cancel the appointment of Michael Sado.
2. Direct the Ukhomunyio branch of the Oteku Ruling House to begin a proper, lawful selection process.
3. Uphold justice and the rule of law to restore faith in government and traditional institutions.
The delegation also made an emotional appeal to the Oba of Benin, describing him as the custodian of Edo traditions and a father figure whose moral authority could help guide the resolution of the crisis.
“We are not against the institution of the Okuokpellagbe,” one of the leaders High Chief Julius Ederefo, said. “We are fighting for the sanctity of our culture and the rule of law. A traditional ruler imposed without due process cannot command the respect or loyalty of the people.”
As the protest ended peacefully, the community said it awaits official response from the state government and the Oba’s palace.
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