ABIOLA REMAINS EMBODIMENT OF DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Engr (Mrs) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that June 12, 1993 remains a significant day in the lives of Nigerians and even generations unborn, as it was regarded as a day free and fair elections was held in Nigeria, and known across the world.

He said, “Exactly 26 years ago, all Nigerians troop out enmasse to cast their votes in what is continued to be regarded all over the world as the freest and fairest election to ever have been conducted in this country’.

“June 12, 1993 was a day all Nigerians, young and old, male and female, irrespective of their tribal and cultural differences, spoke with one voice, it is a day all Nigerians from all works of life took their fate with their own hands, for late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, it was a water-shed moment, who reposed and it will continue to be proud even unto this day. However, that election was annulled and the rest, as they say is history” he said.

Penpushing further reports that, Abiodun, also added that June 12, should not to be regarded as an ordinary election, but as a period which Nigerians put aside their religious and other sentiments to vote late  Abiola.

“It is imperative that we situate the significance of the June 12 Presidential election in its proper context. The June 12 election was not just an ordinary election, it was an exercise in which, once again, I say all Nigerians irrespective of their religious, tribal differences and parochial sentiments to ensure election of the leadership of our country to a man who will later became the supreme wise in the defence of democracy and the entrenchment of democratic principles in Nigeria’.

“Since that moment, and the subsequent event that attended the annulment of the June 12 Presidential election, June 12 has taken the life of its own and the date will continue to be reinvigorate even 26 years afterwards,

“Today, we are gathered here to celebrate that date, and it has taken significance, as it now double as a Democracy day in Nigeria. The man after the custodian of the mandate of the good people of Nigeria, Late MKO Abiola of the June 12 Presidential polls who affectionally referred to as Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was not only an illustrious son of our dear State, but also a successful business man of international repute’,he added.

Penpushing also reports that, the Governor appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising the day (June 12) as Democracy day in the country, while part of the events was also march past by different organisations, schools, social groups, voluntary and humanitarian associations.

The Chairman, Editorial board, Penpushing Media, Mrs Funke Fadugba, in her solidarity message said “June 12 is not dead, adding that  the only way to recognise it, is to fight poverty because that is what late MKO Abiola fought for irrespective of tribe and background”

The journalist of repute and two time Chairperson of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ),Lagos State Council, added that, the Federal Government should acknowledge and confirm that Moshood Abiola won the election.

Penpushing reports that, in his own tribute to the heros and heroines of June 12, a human rights activist, Comrade Femi Aborisade, said that June 12 is above just casting of ballots but also signifies that Nigerians speak in one voice.

“Heroes and Heroines are the masses, those murdered, those incarcerated, those injured, maimed, without the community, and June 12 signifies unity of the oppressed to shake off poverty, a bill that will criminalise foreign medical tourism and any politician that sends his children to school abroad, and farewell to poverty”, he stated

The human rights activist, however enjoined the Ogun State Government to reaffirm commitment to good governance, poverty alleviation, equity, justice and fairness, which the late Abiola stood for, while the Ogun State Speaker, House of Assembly, Hon Olukunle Oluomo in his solidarity message, said “today is a great day for everyone, especially I that I am in your presence, even though, many people may not know me but I was a foot-soldier, during the Epetedo Declaration, in which he we suffered together’.

“We appreciate the Federal Government for remembering June 12, because Abiola said “farewell to poverty”, also, we pray for the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun, for a successful tenure”

Penpushing reports that, son of the late Abiola, Mumini Abiola, in his own message, said “we need to be just with one another as Nigerians. My father ensured that even if he will die, he will fight for freedom but it was also surprising that IBB annulled the June 12 election, despite being a bosom friend to MKO Abiola. However, we thank Buhari for recognising this day. Today is a day of reflection, but where are we now as a nation, where are we supposed to be’.