MARCEL MBAMALUThe 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
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Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
