The occasion of the 30th anniversary of the June 12 presidential election won by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola had come and gone with a lot of nostalgia across the country.
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the special event, an umbrella of pro-democracy groups, Coalition for a Better Nigeria, stormed the residence of the acclaimed winner of the election, late Chief M. K. O Abiola in Ikeja, Lagos to celebrate the business mogul, and victims of the June 12, 1993 presidential elections.
The unique event was attended by members of civil society organisations, scholars, students, and politicians across the country.
Speaking, the Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the administration of President Bola Tinubu in his drive to return the country to glorious path.
The MURIC director, who represented the Chairman of Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, urged the president to discharge his duties courageously without fear or favour, and ensures balancing in his dealing with ethnic groups in Nigeria
“The food is still in the kitchen, and it is only when it is done, that would be served accordingly. Nigerians must not scramble for it,” he said.
He charged politicians to be fair in the discharge of their duties and fulfill their campaign promises to the masses.
“I appeal to politicians to fulfill their promises and remember the poor. There is hunger in the land, the palliatives should start coming,” he said.
Also, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Ali Okunmade II, described June 12, as a watershed in the history of Nigeria.
The monach, who was represented by Maye Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oloye Lekan Alabi, called on Tinubu to restore the dignity of Nigerians that the colonialists have taken away, by taking all criticism equally and ensure that all appointments are made on merit.
According to Olubadan, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola stood for merit and desired that no Nigerian should stand against it.
“The incumbent should operate based on the Constitution of Nigeria. Two, they should take all citizens as equal. Three, all appointments should be based on merit. And I have quoted the 1952 book of Adegoke Adelabu, ‘Africa in Revolution’, because I am the President of Adegoke Adelabu Foundation,” Alabi said.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the sons of the late MKO and late Kudirat Abiola, Alhaji Olalekan Yushau Abiola, expressed happiness that democracy has prevailed in Nigeria for more than 20 years, saluting Tinubu for his ongoing appointments and concept of work to make democracy thrive in Nigeria.
Also, the National Coordinator of Coalition for a Better Nigeria, Comrade Awa Bamiji said, the event round off the eight months activities to honour Abiola, families and victims of June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged as the freest and fairest election, in the history of Nigeria, which was annulled by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
He congratulated Nigerians on the February 25, 2023 presidential election, saying Nigeria now has renewed hope to end the bad story of 30 years ago.
