IKORODU APPLAUDS BUHARI, TINUBU, CELEBRATES JUNE 12 IN A GRAND STYLE. | Shakiru Seidu. Party Leaders, Legislators, Council Chairmen, others, eulogise MKO Abiola.

It was a significant day in the history of Ikorodu Division, as all  routes were led to garage roundabout, Ikorodu, where hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the true symbol of democracy in Nigeria. 

The team SOB Agunbiade and other APC chieftains, after rallying round the community, gathered at APC Secretariat, Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya's house, Ikorodu, to celebrate the duo of President Muhamadu Buhari and national leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their commendable roles in the eventually recognition of the enormous sacrifices made by the late Chief MKO Abiola and other June 12 heroes and heroines for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Princess Adenrele Ogunsanya, Asipa Kaoli Olusanya, Otunba Fatai Olukoga and other prominent personalities in Ikorodu Division, expressed their joy and enthusiasm towards June 12 celebration. The further enjoined the Party faithfuls to obtain their permanent voters card towards the forthcoming election. 

At Ita-Elewa, Ikorodu, the six local councils of Ikorodu Division were also assembled to shower accolades on President Muhamadu Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the symbol of democracy, late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

In his eloquent address, Chairman of Ikorodu local Government, Mr Wasiu Adeshina applauded President Muhamadu Buhari, for the bold step in declaring June 12 as a Democracy Day. "The late Basorun MKO Abiola will forever be remembered as the champion of democracy which signifies the importance of today, June 12. We all gathered here to celebrate this great icon of democracy who has been honored by President Muhamadu Buhari," he remarked.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Sunmi Odesanya, Barr. SOK Shillings agreed we must look back and pay tribute to MKO Abiola and others who lost their lives during the June 12 struggles. They applauded the doggedness of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for standing firm to uphold democracy in Nigeria.

The Chairmen of Imota, Igbogbo/Bayeku, Ikorodu North and Ikorodu West LCDAs, Prince Wasiu Agoro, Comr Olusesan Daini, Hon Adebisi Banjo and Princess Jumoke Jumbo-Ademeyin, in a separate interview with MegaXpression Magazine said twenty five years gone and the country have endured the pains of losing those who sacrificed for democracy. They said the military would not have left if not for the sacrifice of the likes of Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Alfred Rewane, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome Kuti and others. They all agreed that there is no way we can move forward without looking back, and that must acknowledge those who laid down their lives for the enthronement of democracy.

In a release to MegaXpression Magazine, the former Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly and one of the aspirants contesting for East Senatorial Seat, Otunba Ganiu Olusegun Abiru, charged all to keep the June 12 alive.

"The political debacle that culminated in the annulment of June 12, 1993 Election which to date still remains the most inclusive and internationally adjudged as the freest and credible elections since the birth of Nigeria remains a watershed in the annals of our politics. That was a day lugubriously; our Democracy was turned upside down and became DEMONCRAZY. That was the day stratocracy as a form of government was proved to be inimical to the progress of humanity.

"The need to use the 25th Anniversary of June 12 as a launch pad for a new “born again” Nigeria Nation is indeed compelling and a desideratum. As we approach another general election in 2019, we all must use the June 12 Mantra to deepen our democratic experience where true fiscal federalism and all other attendant necessities would be restored. Money politics should be a thing of the past.

"As reflected in the ideals of June 12, our political choice must not be based on pecuniary considerations or family affiliation, but on competence, intelligence and capacity to discharge the functions of the office officially and effectively thereby restoring the ‘lost’ HOPE 93 with the delivery of the expected dividends of Democracy to Nigerians.

"I salute all the Matrys of June 12 catastrophe, particularly Bashorun M.K.O Abiola and his beautiful late wife Alhaja Simbiyat Abiola, without forgetting the doggedness of our revered leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courageous role in those trying period of our political history. In the same vein, I give kudos to all Nigerians for their commitment and steadfastness to the cause of June 12.

"May I also use this opportunity to commend the current 8th National Assembly on the passage of the NotTooYoungToRule Bill. The passage of this much-sought bill at this crucial time in our national history is another strong indication that our country’s democracy is on the right path. I hereby charge our youths to take advantage of this bill to play active and decisive roles in the forthcoming and subsequent general elections.

"I want to use this medium to appreciate those who have been faithful to our party APC and to reassure them that the only party that can bring forth the desired political change come 2019 remains our party, APC.

"In the spirit of June 12 celebrations, I humbly enjoin you to please, endeavour to obtain your PVC and massively vote for the party of the progressives, party of the people and party with a mission and vision," Abiru remarked.

Speaking through phone conversations, Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola from Canada, Hon. Babajimi Benson, MHR, from London, Hon. SOB Agunbiade, ML, from Saudi Arabia, Prince Lanre Sanusi from USA and Hon. Nurudeen Sholaja-Saka, said to Shakiru Seidu of MegaXpression Magazine how elated they were with the announcement of June 12 as a Democracy Day in Nigeria. They congratulated Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his uncommon leadership qualities and ensuring the sustainability of Democracy in Nigeria.

Hon. Babajimi Benson said the country has been enveloped in darkness ever since and with this belated recognition on the part of the Federal Government to the matyr of democracy, a new Nigeria Nation appears to have evolved. "Over the years, one salient issue that has remained consistent across political party leaning is the need to sustain and protect Nigeria's Democracy that was given by providence and sacrifice of many compatriots particularly late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election.

"Today, we celebrate the tenacity of one man to break down the barriers of ethnicity, religion and tribe to give us something to celebrate. Chief M.K.O. Abiola's sacrificed his life along with many compatriots who died in the struggle to actualise the June 12 mandate. Therefore, it behoves on us to keep alive the dreams and visions of our martyrs, whose contributions to our present democracy cannot be over emphasised." Hon Jimi Benson explained.

Hon. Adebimpe Akinsola remarkably revealed the political trajectory of Nigeria since the annulment of June 12 was that of a Nation in disarray, but thanked President Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for correcting some of Nigeria past mistakes.

"Today is a great day in the history of Nigeria. I am elated that June 12 is regarded as Democracy Day in Nigeria," Hon. SOB Agunbiade revealed.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
Publisher, MegaXpression Magazine