Zwingina: The Forgotten Cornerstone of June 12

By Simon Reef Musa

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced national honours last year for those who had played remarkable roles in the June 12 struggles, one name was omitted: Dr Jonathan Silas Zwingina, who died on 3 October 2024 in Abuja after celebrating his 70th birthday. Zwingina first entered the national scene in 1987 when former military president General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida appointed him State Director of Old Gongola State for Mass Mobilisation for Self‑Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). While serving in the old Gongola State (now Adamawa), he became the target of conspiratorial schemes aimed at removing him from power. His outstanding work as Campaign Manager for Chief Olu Falae, who was later banned, and for General Musa Shehu Yar’Adua, led to his appointment as Campaign Manager for Chief MKO Abiola. He was later promoted to Director General of the Hope ’93 Campaign for Abiola. As a key intellectual strategist in the SDP presidential campaign, he worked behind the scenes to shape the strategies that helped Abiola win the Jos Convention, defeating opponents such as Atiku Abubakar and Babagana Kingibe.

Along with others, including Chief Lamidi Adedibu, the late DG served as a bridge, providing strategies that helped the SDP presidential campaign navigate challenges as Abiola emerged as the SDP’s presidential candidate and winner of the 1993 poll. Even when others abandoned the businessman, the man who later represented Adamawa South from 1999 to 2007 remained loyal to his boss. Before his death on 2 October 2024, I was privileged to be part of his efforts to recount his roles in the revalidation of the annulled June 12 poll. I am sure that his family will soon present Zwingina’s memoir on the dynamics and dialectics of the annulled election.

The omission of Zwingina from the June 12 honour list is akin to forgetting the honest efforts of a Nigerian who gave his best to a cause he believed was in Nigerians’ interest. Denying Zwingina the honour for his role in the June 12 debacle is an attempt to rewrite history. The continued non‑recognition of the late lawmaker is a grievous oversight that must not be allowed to linger. I am appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redress this embarrassing oversight and quickly honour Abiola’s chief campaigner, who gave his full measure in the struggle to revalidate the annulled June 12.

Recognising devoted service posthumously inspires others to give their best, even when they are not appreciated while alive. Zwingina paid his dues, and it is only fair and appropriate to honour him for his role in restoring democracy. No doubt, June 12 has remained a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. However, we can never truly honour the essence of this awe‑inspiring epoch without honouring those who gave their all in the struggle. A nation is best assessed for its willingness to serve justice to the dead than to the living. Mr President, it is never too late to honour Senator Zwingina for his rare contributions to keeping the flame of democracy alive.

Born on 1 August 1954 in Falu village, Guyuk Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Zwingina was a first‑class graduate of the University of Ibadan. He worked as academic staff at the then College of Preliminary Studies, Yola (now State Polytechnic Yola) and obtained his PhD from an Australian university. As a distinguished scholar whose cerebral prowess was widely acknowledged, he led a life characterised by rigorous academic inquiry and activism in support of causes of justice. Like many Nigerians of his time who came from the backwaters of society, he proved himself worthy of trust and excellence. After completing his PhD in Political Science, the Adamawa‑born man became a man of many colours who refused to be daunted by his origins. From the ethnic group called Lunguda, Zwingina left a sterling record of intellectualism, combined with activism that promotes justice for all, irrespective of ethnic and religious divides. A fearless leader whose profound humility was deep, the former Senate Majority Leader left sterling footprints of legislative excellence on the sands of time.

*Simon Reef, a member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and columnist, can be reached via: simonreef927@gmail.com