June 12: Hope and The ‘Dividends’ of Democracy
June 12: Hope and The 'Dividends' of Democracy By M.B.O Owolowo A dividend is a derivation from something through the utilisation of some available means. It could be some gain or even share of some sort, generally something beneficial. 20 years after the June 12 1993 struggle we should analyse our polity and assess how the birth of democracy has benefited the masses. Undoubtedly it has benefited a 'privileged' few, but this is about democracy and its collective and not selective benefits. History was made on June 12 1993, the day Nigerians shunned ethnic and religious differences to speak with one voice. Nigerians freely expressed their democratic rights and voted for Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (aka M.K.O) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as their President. The victory of M.K.O was symbolic, because it showed the entire world Nigerians could set aside their differences to achieve a greater goal, it also confirmed the climate was conducive for democracy