JUNE 12 STRUGGLE SHAPED MY POLITICAL IDEAL -HON OKLA
By Taiwo Fadipe And Olusegun Apena
Hon. Sanni Ganeey Babatunde Okanlawon
*Pays Tribute to June 12 Heroes*
*Says he’s in politics to add value to governance*
As Nigerians all over the country and in diaspora celebrated this year’s democracy day on Friday June 12 in commemoration of the struggle for actualization and restoration of democratic governance, the lawmaker Representing Kosofe Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanni Ganeey Babatunde Okanlawon has attributed his political progress and accomplishments to the political values he acquired during the struggle for the actualization of June 12 and the sacrifices paid by the martyr, heroes and heroines of the democratic struggle which eventually led to civilian administration.
Hon. Sanni Okanlawon popularly known as “Okla” in an exclusive chat with KosofeReporters at his residence over the weekend disclosed that as one of the major beneficiaries of return to Civil administration, the ultimate sacrifice paid by Chief MKO Abiola, the heroic deeds of frontline NADECO members such as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Prof. Wole Soyinka , Pa Alfred Rewane among others for the successful restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria contributed immensely in instilling profound political ideal in him.
The lawmaker who was one time Kosofe Local Government Secretary to the Local Government and Special Adviser on food security to Governor Akinwunm Ambode added that the popular welfare package termed:”farewell to poverty” and some other programmes which Chief MKO Abiola strongly resonated through out the country at that time fascinated him a great deal and made him realize that the ultimate goal of governance is to add value to people’s lives.
He emphasized that without the ultimate sacrifices paid by these martyrs, heroes and heroines of June 12 struggle culminating in democratic governance, coupled with political values and experiences he had gained during the struggle, it would have been impossible for him to occupy political posts and also excel.
While saying the main reason he joined politics was to add value to governance and contribute his quota to National development, he revealed that his participation in June 12 actualization struggle had effectively prepared him for the great task he is now facing.
His words: “June 12 struggle was a political preparatory class to me. It really moulded me. With farewell to Poverty programme of the time, I developed interest believing that the essence of governance is to put smile on the faces of the people.
“We are about 200 millions people with 80% in poverty line. It’s quite unfortunate. They are either earning very low or nothing at all because they are unemployed.
” So my coming into politics is to add value to governance and ensure that those who are wearing frowning faces as a result of poverty smile. That is the driving spirit. I decided to join politics to add value, to ensure I contribute my own quota to the development of Nigeria.
“June 12 is like a precursor to where we are today. It’s like a forerunner; a period that prepared me for the honorous task of today.
He noted with glee that unlike what was obtainable during the military era, June 12 has redefined Nigerian political space with better democratic system of governance where citizens enjoy the lasseiz faire to vote and be voted for in periodic elections.
He said Nigerians should be grateful to late Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaja Kudiratu Abiola, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Gani Fawehinmi and other members of NADECO and Civil Right Organizations who struggled and laid down their lives for the entrenchment of democracy in the country.
“We must give kudos to Chief MKO Abiola who along with his wife paid a full price. Chief Alfred Rewane also paid a full Price and very many of them who died in the process and some who are still alive. These are the people on the Frontline who made it possible for us to enjoy the democracy we are enjoying today.
“Asiwaju Bola Tinubu went on exile. He was potent in dealing with the military junta. And the likes of Senator Bayo Osinowo were in trenches “: he said.
The house committee Chairman on commerce, industry and cooperative stated further that 21 years into uninterrupted democratic governance the Nigeria’s democracy could best be described as evolving with noticeable economic development and respect for rule of law in spite of various political challenges it has been encountering.
©KosofeReporters
