Atiku, Tinubu, Others Want mko Abiola Immortalised

Memories of the late Icon of Nigerian politics, Chief MKO Abiola, yesterday reverberated across the country 22 years after the annulment of the June, 12, 1993 general election by the military government of President Ibrahim Babangida with prominent Nigerians urging the federal government to immortalised the late politician.

Speaking on the occasion to mark June 12, the national leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerians to ensure that the nation’s democracy, in not scuttled like the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Tinubu, in his goodwill message to adherence of democratic struggle on the 22nd anniversary of the annulment of a presidential election, said the greatest honour Nigerians could give to the late Abiola is to protect the present dispensation from being scuttled by fifth columnists.

The message titled: “June 12 challenges us to guard our democracy,” reads: “As we remember the June 12 struggle, we are challenged to guard our hard-won democratic freedom and prevent any hijack or abuse of the very principles of constitutional democracy.

Atiku on June 12: Honour Heroes Of Our Democracy

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called on the government and people of Nigeria to honour and remember the heroes of the country’s democracy. This was contained in a statement released in Abuja on June 12, to commemorate the death of the late icon.

In the statement released by the Atiku Media Office, the Turaki Adamawa described June 12 as one of the most significant dates in Nigeria’s political history, and a day not to be forgotten.

He said, “However, I am happy that, over time, especially with the recent elections which took place on March 28, Nigerians have been able to overcome our sordid past,” he said.

Ambode, Falana, Oyebode, Others Urge FG To Declare June 12 As Democracy Day

Also, eminent Nigerians who converged in Lagos State yesterday to celebrate the life of late Abiola and June 12, urged the Federal Government to declare the date a national Democracy Day in place of May 29 currently marked.

The prominent Nigerians who made the call were the Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode; Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence in the University of Lagos, Professor Akin Oyebode; Human Rights Lawyer, Femi Falana and former Commissioner of Information and Strategy Mr. Dele Alake unanimously said the declaration was the best national recognition the struggle deserves.

Ambode said though the peoples’ hope was dashed with the annulled election, presumably won by Abiola, “June 12 stands as the real democracy day which was sanctioned by the blood of martyrs who laid down their lives for this democracy.

In his address, Oyebode, who was the chairman on the occasion said, “It must be said that without June 12, 1993, we would never have had May 29, 1999. We know that even as enemies of democracy try to thwart the idea, the sacrifice of Abiola and of Nigerians who took to the streets should never be forgotten.”

Corroborating earlier speakers, Falana said the onus was on the Federal Government to immortalised the true heroes of Nigeria’s democracy. Falana said: “This day (June 12) must be a national day and be declared a national holiday.” He appealed to Lagos State to further champion the course of deepening democracy, by ensuring that living heroes and heroines of June 12 struggle to ensure that they are not forgotten.

Declare Abiola President, Amosun Tells FG

Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun has called on Federal Government to declare the late Abiola as president post humously. He made the call at MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta during the commemoration of the June 12, 1993 general election.

He said, “June 12 is a very significant day, not only in Ogun State really, it is throughout Nigeria and I think it even extends even beyond the shores of Nigeria.”

I’ll Promote Good Governance In Spirit Of June 12 – Mimiko

Ondo State governor Olusegun Mimiko has promised to continue to ensure that governance content is given to the struggle of June 12.

The governor spoke yesterday at the third year anniversary of school free shuttle scheme which was also aimed at commemorating the memory of late Abiola, in Akure.

Mimiko said,the decision of his administration to inaugurate the scheme in June, 2012 was a deliberate effort aimed at highlighting the essence of social justice and good governance in the collective quest for a just and egalitarian society.