*Emperor Dr. Christian Ugochukwu Esemonu Appointed as Emperor of the Santorini Empire Under the United Kingdom of Atlantis

In a historic declaration that underscores leadership, diplomacy, and global unity, Emperor Dr. Christian Ugochukwu Esemonu has been officially appointed as the Emperor of the Santorini Empire, under the distinguished governance of the United Kingdom of Atlantis (UKA).

The formal announcement was made on March 8, 2025, during the reign of Emperor Solomon Wining I, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis Empire Worldwide. The royal certification, bearing the official seal of 5 Billions Humanitarian Projects Incorporated, was duly signed by Prof. Dr. Solomon Wining, Emperor of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, and Prof. Dr. Sriwan Kingjun, Empress of the Attica Empire.

This appointment is recognized as one of the highest offices within the UKA government, symbolizing the deep trust and confidence placed in Emperor Esemonu’s leadership, character, and dedication to humanitarian advancement. His investiture as Emperor of the Santorini Empire signifies a new chapter of collaboration between the United Kingdom of Atlantis and African nations, marking a significant step toward the realization of the UKA’s mission of global peace, development, and cultural unity.

In his new capacity, Emperor Dr. Christian Ugochukwu Esemonu is tasked with the crucial responsibility of following up on government duties across Africa, ensuring that all UKA initiatives and administrative functions are executed in line with the organization’s global vision. He will also coordinate overall inspection of governmental and humanitarian projects within the continent, promoting transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery.

Beyond his administrative mandate, Emperor Esemonu will serve as a diplomatic bridge between the United Kingdom of Atlantis and African governments, working to strengthen relationships, foster regional cooperation, and align developmental goals with the UKA’s strategic direction. As part of his duties, he will also oversee the African operations, the UKA Parliament, ensuring that its policies, programs, and agencies operate in tandem with the broader framework of the United Kingdom of Atlantis government.

Speaking shortly after his appointment, Emperor Esemonu expressed deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, describing it as a call to service and global unity.

“This appointment is not just a personal achievement,” he said. “It is a mandate to serve humanity, to build bridges across nations, and to ensure that Africa remains an active and respected partner in the United Kingdom of Atlantis’ global vision.”
He further emphasized his commitment to promoting peace, good governance, and humanitarian cooperation across Africa.

“Our goal is to strengthen collaboration, empower communities, and inspire leadership that is founded on integrity, fairness, and respect for all cultures,” he noted. “Together, we can make the vision of the United Kingdom of Atlantis a living reality across our continent.”

In a congratulatory statement, Emperor Solomon Wining I, the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Atlantis, praised Emperor Esemonu’s dedication and foresight, highlighting his potential to bring lasting positive change.

Dr Emperor Christian has demonstrated unequivocally that it is up to speed with modern realities. Emperor Christian who is the administrator to the global throne under United Kingdom of Atlantis, means he attained the highest position in the UKA as the second Emperor to oversees the affairs of the entire government of UKA, he oversees the affairs and duties of the Parliament of UKA and other related matters across the nation.

The essence of his position is to reduce the stress and duties and other responsibilities of the reining monarch.

His position and responsibilities is not only valid to Africa but to other nations across the globe related to United Kingdom of Atlantis.

“Dr. Esemonu’s appointment reflects our confidence in his ability to lead with wisdom, compassion, and commitment,” Emperor Wining stated. “His leadership in Africa will reinforce our shared mission of unity and humanitarian progress.”

With this appointment, Emperor Dr. Christian Ugochukwu Esemonu assumes a vital role at the intersection of governance, diplomacy, and humanitarian service. His position stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Africa and the United Kingdom of Atlantis — a partnership built on mutual respect, shared purpose, and the collective pursuit of a better world.

As Emperor of the Santorini Empire, his leadership is expected to enhance intergovernmental collaboration, ensure efficiency across UKA institutions in Africa, and inspire a renewed sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike.

The announcement marks a defining moment not only for Emperor Esemonu but for the growing relationship between the United Kingdom of Atlantis and the African continent — one guided by vision, unity, and humanity’s shared destiny.

Buratai to army officers: Democracy must be sustained

Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said military officers must see themselves as defenders of the nation’s democracy and custodians of its stability.

“You must remain loyal. Democracy must be sustained and maintained.

“Whatever the challenges, I believe democracy itself will solve them. Loyalty is very key as a military officer even in retirement, we still maintain that loyalty,” Buratai said on Tuesday in Abuja during the decoration of two senior officers of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, Col. Ibrahim Bunza and Col. Adetunji Idowu, who were recently elevated to their new ranks.

The former COAS also urged newly promoted Nigerian Army officers to remain loyal, disciplined and committed to the sustenance of democracy in the country.

He reminded the officers that promotion marks the beginning of a new phase of responsibility in their careers and must be matched with hard work, integrity and professionalism.

“I remember vividly when I was promoted to the rank of Colonel. That rank signifies the beginning of a new era.

“If you must get to generalship, it starts now. Your performance, your attitude, your character, and your disposition to duty will determine your next and subsequent ranks,” he said.

Buratai, who served as the 20th Chief of Army Staff between 2015 and 2021 congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing them as disciplined, battle-tested and worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

Speaking specifically about Col. Bunza, who served as his Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Buratai recalled his dedication and composure during challenging times, including operational visits to the North East.

“He was my last ADC, and God made it in such a way that I had him. He was very calm, very calculated, and maintained discipline among all the close aides that worked with me.

“He is battle-tested. I remember one of our visits to the North East when we came under fire, but he remained composed throughout,” he added.

The retired general also commended Col. Idowu for his performance as Commander of the 6 Provost Group in Port Harcourt, describing him as “a disciplined and resilient officer who commanded in a very challenging environment and came out with his head high.”

Buratai highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable home, saying the home front was very strategic.

He urged their spouses to ensure that their homes reflect positively on the officer’s performance in the field and in the office by giving them the needed support.

He urged the officers to pursue continuous self-development and professional education, adding that learning must never stop even after promotion or retirement.

“You must continue to improve yourself. Development is very important. Even in retirement, I continue to learn.

“In February, I obtained a certificate in communication and leadership from the University of Cambridge. So don’t stop improving yourselves,” he advised.

Earlier in his remarks, the Provost Marshal (Army), Maj.-Gen. Mathias Erubelu, thanked Buratai for his mentorship and contributions to the Corps, especially the approval for the construction of its present headquarters.

According to him, this edifice we are seated in today was built during your time as Chief of Army Staff.

He congratulated the newly promoted officers, describing their elevation as a product of hard work, diligence and divine favour.

“Promotion comes from God, but not without hard work. There were 298 officers presented for promotion, but only 225 made it.

“So, this is a privilege that comes with responsibility,” the Provost Marshal stated.

Responding on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Col. Bunza expressed gratitude to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for finding them worthy of elevation, and to the Provost Marshal for his leadership and mentorship.

“We assure the Nigerian Army of our renewed commitment to service, loyalty, and upholding the core values of the institution.

“We are also grateful to our families, colleagues, and friends for standing by us.”

He also thanked former COAS Buratai for his mentorship, describing him as “a father and a leader whose guidance shaped their careers”.

June 12, 1993: The Day Democracy Was Promised. Then Stolen!!

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com

“They voted. Power panicked. History remembers. Three decades on, the ghost of June 12 still haunts Nigeria’s democracy.”

June 12, 1993, should have been the beginning of a new chapter in Nigeria’s modern history, a peaceful transfer from military rule to a democratically elected civilian president. Instead it became the day the state reneged on its word, the day a legitimate popular verdict was extinguished by the brass of power. The annulment of that election did more than deny one man the presidency; it punctured the fragile hopes of an entire nation and set Nigeria on a grievous detour that cost lives, liberties and decades of political trust.

The vote itself was, by all credible accounts, decisive. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, the Social Democratic Party’s candidate, SDP won a clear nationwide plurality, with unofficial tallies putting him well ahead of his rival, Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention, NRC. The results made Abiola the first candidate in modern Nigerian history to assemble a truly cross-regional coalition, carrying the southwest and large tracts of the north and middle belt. Unofficial tabulations commonly cited put Abiola’s share near 58 percent against Tofa’s roughly 42 percent. These figures, reported by independent observers and later compiled by historians and news outlets, left little doubt about the will of the electorate.

Yet that mandate was never honoured. On 24 June 1993, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), the country’s military ruler, announced the outright annulment of the election, citing irregularities and legal technicalities. The announcement was more than a bureaucratic reversal; it was a renunciation of popular sovereignty. The National Electoral Commission had begun releasing state-by-state results; civil society groups, foreign observers and the citizenry at large had accepted the outcome as the genuine expression of the people. To nullify that expressed will was to signal that POWER, not LAW or CONSCIENCE, would write Nigeria’s political future.

The consequences were immediate and brutal. Protests erupted across the southwest and in other cities; security forces responded with deadly force. Independent human-rights investigations documented mass arrests, press closures and a systematic campaign to silence dissent. Human Rights Watch, in its contemporaneous reporting, described the post-annulment months as a hardening of repression (“hundreds arrested and press muzzled”) and traced how the regime’s maneuvers culminated in renewed military domination and the eventual rise of Sani Abacha. The democratic promise of 12 June was replaced by a night of state-sanctioned fear.

It is tempting to reduce June 12 to a story about one man or to an arithmetic of votes. The annulment lit a torch that illuminated fault lines and truths about Nigeria’s political order. Firstly, the military’s professed “TRANSITION” was always precarious; power retains habits and the guardians of order are often the last to relinquish it. Secondly, civic cohesion had matured enough to cross ethnic and regional barriers; millions voted not for parochial advantage but for national possibility; and Thirdly, when the state violates the most basic democratic compacts, the price is paid in legitimacy and human life. Scholars who studied the period later characterized the annulment as the climax of a failed transition and a deliberate, avoidable betrayal. Peter Lewis, writing on Nigeria’s failed transition, concluded that the annulment irreparably undermined the trust that a durable democratic order requires.

Over the long arc of history, however, the memory of June 12 refused to die. The struggle for recognition of that mandate became a moral and political rallying point for activists, lawyers and the bereaved. Chief Abiola’s eventual declaration of himself as the rightful president in 1994 (and his subsequent arrest and detention) turned him from an ELECTORAL VICTOR into a MARTYR for DEMOCRATIC LEGITIMACY. His death in custody in July 1998 seared the issue into the national conscience and foreshadowed the end of the Abacha era. The narrative of June 12 thus transformed from a tale of theft into an enduring assertion that the people’s choice must count.

International reaction to the annulment was swift and unequivocal; governments suspended aid, international organizations condemned the action and a global spotlight shone on Nigeria’s betrayal of democratic norms. Yet external pressure, while symbolically important, could not substitute for internal repair. That repair required accountability (an honest accounting of how and why a transition was broken) and institutional reforms that would render future annulments impossible. For a time, Nigeria’s political institutions lay weakened and hollowed, susceptible to the predators of authoritarianism.

Time, ironically, has helped vindicate the moral core of June 12. In 2018 the Nigerian state (belatedly) took the symbolic step of renaming Democracy Day to June 12, acknowledging the election’s place in national memory. Even Ibrahim Babangida, in later years, publicly expressed regret about the annulment, admitting that the election had been free and fair; “A RECOGNITION THAT CAN NEVER UNDO THE PAST” but does confirm the original truth of the vote. Still, symbolic gestures are only the start; institutional guarantees are the remedy.

So what does June 12 teach us today? Firstly, that democracy is not merely a schedule of elections but a system of rules, norms and respect for outcomes. When leaders treat elections as optional, they invite cycles of instability that corrode development and human dignity. Secondly, the legitimacy of a polity rests on its willingness to accept inconvenient truths, including the possibility of losing power. Thirdly, the people’s memory is a political force. The tens of thousands who marched, protested, litigated and mourned after June 12 ensured that the event became a permanent reference point for claims to justice and reform.

Finally, if June 12 is to be more than a commemorative date, Nigeria must translate memory into measurable reforms and transparent electoral administration, an empowered and independent judiciary, protections for the press and a security apparatus subordinated to constitutional authority. Without these, anniversaries become mere ceremonies and history becomes a mourning ritual instead of a blueprint for progress.

June 12, 1993, remains a wound and a promise. It is a wound for the lives lost, the liberty denied and the democratic years squandered. It is a promise because millions of Nigerians made a deliberate choice for inclusion, reform and national cohesion. A choice that, despite the state’s betrayal, has continued to haunt and eventually to guide the nation’s democratic restoration. To honor June 12 is to insist that no future annulment can ever again stand. It is to demand that the people’s voice be the final arbiter in a nation still searching for government by consent.

“They voted. The Army stole it. Three decades later, Nigeria still pays the price.”

– George Omagbemi Sylvester