The June 12 democratic struggle in Nigeria is a pivotal moment in the country’s history, and the debate about who should be the real hero of that movement is still raging.
While many would argue that MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled election, is the hero, others believe that Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (NEC), deserves the title.
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The Case for Professor Humphrey Nwosu:
Professor Nwosu’s bravery and integrity in the face of military pressure cannot be overstated. Despite the government’s efforts to compel him to discontinue announcing the election results, Nwosu stood firm, ensuring that the true outcome of the election was revealed. His actions embody the spirit of democracy and the importance of transparency in governance.
The Case for MKO Abiola
On the other hand, MKO Abiola’s sacrifice and perseverance in the pursuit of democracy and justice are undeniable. As the beneficiary of the election outcome, Abiola’s leadership and vision for a better Nigeria inspired a generation of Nigerians to fight for their rights. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate people to this day.
So, Who is the Real Hero?
Ultimately, the question of who is the real hero of the June 12 democratic struggle is a matter of perspective. Both Professor Nwosu and MKO Abiola played critical roles in shaping the course of Nigerian history. Perhaps the real heroes are the countless Nigerians who fought, sacrificed, and persevered in the face of adversity to bring about democratic change.
Dr Mbamalu is a Jefferson Fellow, member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), communications/Media Consultant and Publisher, Prime Business Africa.
Email: marcelmbamalu2@gmail.com
+2348094000017
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a distinguished communication scholar, journalist, and entrepreneur with three decades of experience in the media industry. He holds a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and serves as the publisher of Prime Business Africa, a renowned multimedia news platform catering to Nigeria and Africa's socio-economic needs.
Dr. Mbamalu's journalism career spans over two decades, during which he honed his skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of senior editor. Notably, between 2018 and 2023, he collaborated with the World Health Organization (WHO) in Northeast Nigeria, training senior journalists on conflict reporting and health journalism.
Dr. Mbamalu's expertise has earned him international recognition. He was the sole African representative at the 2023 Jefferson Fellowship program, participating in a study tour of the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) on inclusion, income gaps, and migration issues.
In 2020, he was part of a global media team that covered the United States presidential election.
Dr. Mbamalu has attended prestigious media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and the Reuters/AfDB Training on "Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development in Africa."
As a columnist for The Punch Newspaper, with insightful articles published in other prominent Nigerian dailies, including ThisDay, Leadership, The Sun, and The Guardian, Dr. Mbamalu regularly provides in-depth analysis on socio-political and economic issues.
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