Ex-VON DG Urges Tinubu to Restore June 12 Election Spirit
Osita Okechukwu, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently revive the spirit of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. This appeal highlights the need to reclaim the significant historical and democratic value associated with that election.
Okechukwu, who previously served as the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), emphasized that Tinubu, as a strong supporter of the June 12 movement, holds a unique position of power. He believes Tinubu can restore the election’s significance and its unifying spirit.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on June 11, Okechukwu praised the late Chief Abiola for his role in mobilizing Nigerians across ethnic and religious divides. Abiola’s efforts during the June 12 election period fostered a sense of unity and national identity that transcended individual differences.
Okechukwu advised President Tinubu to address the widespread poverty and lack of democratic benefits that many Nigerians currently face. He stressed that acknowledging this reality is crucial for any efforts to revive the spirit of June 12. The nation’s limited resources must be utilized effectively to benefit its growing population.
He suggested that the president should focus on recapitalizing the electricity sector to boost industrial production. This move would support small and medium enterprises, which are vital for economic growth, and help modernize the agricultural sector.
Additionally, Okechukwu recommended the modernization of the mortgage housing system to improve living conditions for many Nigerians. He believes that these steps are essential components of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes critical items for economic growth.
To fund these initiatives, Okechukwu proposed that Nigeria should borrow $30 billion for electricity improvements and $10 billion for housing development. He argued that the international community supports Tinubu’s economic plans, providing a favorable opportunity for securing these loans.
Okechukwu concluded by drawing a parallel with the United States, which, despite its significant debt, benefits from a high industrial capacity. He urged President Tinubu to seize this moment to borrow and invest in Nigeria’s future, thereby restoring the hope and spirit of the June 12, 1993, election.
