Olu Allen
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s choice to mark Democracy Day within the National Assembly’s chambers transcended symbolism: it was a constitutional homecoming.
In a country where democracy often feels performative, this gesture, rooting our celebration in the people’s sovereign chamber, was profoundly historic.
The legislature is democracy’s heartbeat. By standing alongside lawmakers, President Tinubu honoured the institution that transforms citizens’ voices into law. That alone deserves applause.
Equally vital was conferring national honours on icons of Nigeria’s democratic struggle: Prof. Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana (SAN), Ayo Obe, Senator Shehu Sani, Bayo Onanuga, Dayo Babarinsa, Gov. Uba Sani, and the posthumous recognition of Ken Saro-Wiwa and Ogoni martyrs. Their names embody the sacrifice that birthed this era.
For this, Mr. President merits our thanks.
Yet shadows linger in the light.
While no honours list can be exhaustive, omitting pivotal architects of our freedom, especially those still battling today, suggests historical amnesia. Consider:
– Dele Momodu, whose Ovation magazine became a lifeline for exiles during Abacha’s darkness.
– Omoyele Sowore, beaten and exiled for student protests in ’93, now facing bullets and lawsuits to keep Sahara Reporters’ torch lit.
– Frank Kokori (late), who mobilized oil workers to paralyze tyranny at gunpoint.
– Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, whose tiny frame led towering street protests against military tanks.
– Hafsat Abiola, who transformed her father’s martyrdom into a global crusade for electoral justice.
– Chief Ayo Adebanjo, 95, is still risking relevance to demand restructuring.
– Beko Ransome-Kuti (late), whose prison-ravaged body paid freedom’s price.
But the graver omission? The thousands unnamed: students shot on campuses, market women joining protests, journalists silenced by decree. Their blood still stains our democracy’s foundations.
This gap isn’t irreparable, it’s a call to action. Let’s build institutions that democratize memory:
1. A June 12 Democracy Museum where holograms of Saro-Wiwa recite poetry beside burned protest banners of unknown heroes.
2. A National Roll of Honour, updated annually, etched in marble, not subject to political seasons.
3. State-by-State Tributes spotlighting local resisters: the teacher who hid activists, the lawyer who defended detainees pro bono.
Mr. President, your gesture planted a flag. Now, let’s build the monument. Honour sacrifice over sentiment. Value service above status.
Thank you for a Democracy Day that stirred pride. But let 2025 be the year we finally say: No hero forgotten. Because this hard-worn democracy, flawed yet fiercely ours, was bought with invisible blood.
It belongs to all who bled for it.
