Tunde Bakare Explains How Obasanjo Destroyed Students’ Unionism In Nigeria

Pastor Tunde Bakare, has accused a ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo of destroying students’ unionism when he held sway as military Head of State in 1978.

Bakare made the statements  yesterday, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at this year’s anniversary of the International Day of Students held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto.

Bakare said Obasanjo used brute force to repress students during the famous “Ali Must Go” protest where some students lost their lives.

Delivering a paper titled, Good Governance: Sustainability of Democracy, the Role of Students in the Forthcoming General Election, Bakare traced the history of student unionisn from the colonial days saying the body was dealt a fatal blow in 1978.

According to Vanguard reports, Bakare said: “General Obasanjo’s government ordered the brutal suppression of that protest. Live bullets were fired at protesting students.

“As we proceeded outside Unilag’s main gate, I narrowly escaped death as Akintunde Ojo, the young man standing just beside me, was gunned down.

“Through that incident, Obasanjo carved his name on marble as a villain of democracy.

“I did not mince words when opportunity presented itself in November 1978 when I pointed to his face, ‘This government possesses power without compassion, might without morality and strength without sight’.

“Nevertheless, student unionism in Nigeria today is in a sorry state.”