BUHARI ANNOUCES JUNE 12 AS DEMOCRACY DAY, CONFERS ABIOLA, KINGIBE, FAWEHINMI WITH NATIONAL AWARDS. | Shakiru Seidu. Ambode, Jimi Benson, Akinsola, Daini, others, hail Mr President.

President Muhammad Buhari of Nigeria has declared June 12 as Democracy Day. Buhari in a statement released on Wednesday, June 6, said “June 12, 1993, was the day millions of Nigerians expressed their democratic will in the freest, fairest & most peaceful elections since our Independence. That the outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military Government does not detract from its democratic credentials.”

Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola. was posthumously awarded Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), while Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, was also awarded a GCON. Furthermore, the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, tireless fighter for human rights & democracy, and for the actualization of the June 12, 1993 elections was posthumously awarded a GCON.

President Buhari, since the announcement, have been showering with accolades from different part of the country.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode hailed the announcement by President for declaring June 12 as the New Democracy Day in honour of the late presumed winner of the June 12 1993 Presidential Election, Chief MKO Abiola.

The Governor, in a statement by through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, lauded the President, saying that the development was a historic and symbolic moment in the nation’s political trajectory.

“This is a welcome development. It is a historic moment in our nation and I join other Nigerians to commend President Buhari on this announcement. By this move, he has done what previous administrations failed to do. This not only shows that the President is a man of history and character but also eloquently confirms that the heroes of democracy did not die in vain after all,” Governor Ambode said.

Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency, in his comment, also hailed the announcement of the President, saying it's better late than never. JB, as he foundly called, told MegaXpression Magazine that the decision was long overdue while noting that history has finally come to stay. "The election that brought late Chief M.K.O. Abiola to power still remained the most free and fair elections ever held in Nigeria, and one that was not won on the basis of ethnic affiliation. I therefore hail Mr President for this announcement and his love for Democracy in Nigeria." The lawmaker said.

"His Excellency, President Muhamadu  Buhari no doubt has put solace on the faces  of the like of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, entire South West States and Progressive Nigerians by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria," JB added.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola, former Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Lagos State and the Convener, A+ Disciples, also joined millions of Nigerians to applaud President Buhari on this long awaited decision. She noted that June 12 victory and the struggle that followed it exceed ethnic and religious sentiments.

The Chairman of Igbogbo-Bayeku LCDA Comrade Sesan Daini also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his courage and for being in tune with historical reality by declaring June 12 as Democracy Day in Nigeria, contrary to the May 29th which has lesser significance in the democratic history of Nigeria.

He said that the award of most prestigious posthumous honour of GCFR to Abiola was the highest regard for democracy in Nigeria and shall remain indelible in the hearts of Nigerians who witnessed the terrible moments afterwards.

“Now, it is easier to tell the history of our country’s democracy day to our children and proudly justify the historical legacy attached to it” Comrade Daini said.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine.