On June 18, 1995, renowned writer Wole Soyinka and other Nigerian intellectuals took the first step toward establishing a government in exile through the National Liberation Council of Nigeria (NALICON). Although some members of NALICON remained in Nigeria and were largely anonymous, the group's efforts continued.
Soyinka, who had been in exile since November 1994, along with other opposition figures, consistently opposed the military junta in Nigeria through various means. Operating from abroad, the group was dedicated to restoring democracy in their homeland.
NALICON members were involved in various pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria despite operating in a very hostile environment with the military regime always seeking every possible evidence to nail them given their stiff opposition stance.
In June 1996, NALICON launched an underground radio station outside Nigeria, broadcasting shortwave transmissions condemning the Abacha regime. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State was also a key figure in the struggle especially during the establishment and operation of the radio. The radio was initially named "Radio Democrat Nigeria International," the station was later renamed "Radio Kudirat" in honor of Chief Abiola's wife, who was assassinated in June 1996.
The Soyinka-led NALICON got its share of trumped-up charges and oppression from the military authorities. Some bomb incidents and other attacks that occurred in the country especially in 1996 during the struggle were falsely blamed on the opposition figures who were accused of being sabotage agents working for NADECO and NALICON- the two major opposition and pro-democracy groups at that time.
Afterward, Soyinka and his colleagues later played various roles in support of the return of democracy in Nigeria including founding and taking part in some political groups.
Five Other Key Events Today
(1) Boris Yeltsin, president of Russia, arrived in U.S.- 1991.
(2) U.S. declared war against Great Britain - 1812.
(3) Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated at Waterloo - 1815.
(4) The Fast and the Furious premiered - 2001
(5) American aviator Amelia Earhart became the 1st woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean - 1928.
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