A major historical monument is to be set up within Ikeja, Lagos State, the political base of late Chief MKO Abiola on June 12th, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Abiola is the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was annulled by the military government of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida.
The decision to immortalize Abiola was made known in a statement by the conveners of the June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria, an umbrella body of pro democracy leaders, activists and stakeholders associated with the June 12 pro-democracy struggles in Nigeria.
The statement was signed by the Chairman, Planning Committee of June 12 Democracy Movement, Prof Anthony Kila.
It would be recalled that the political base in Ikeja axis of Lagos, from where Chief MKO Abiola operated and coordinated his Hope ’93 political agenda for Nigeria during his life time was formally named last year by the Nigerian Pro Democracy Movement as Nigeria Democracy Centre, NDC popularly known as “MKO Abiola Democratic Base”
The historic monument, it was stated, would be launched to immortalise the sacrifices made by MKO Abiola and all other heroes and heroines both departed and living towards the actualisation of the current democratic governance in Nigeria.
The event is scheduled for a special breakfast ceremony slated to commemorate 20 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation in Nigeria on Wednesday, 12 June 2019.
“This year June 12 commemorative breakfast ceremony scheduled to commence at 8 a.m. shall also witness as high point, commendations and honours to be received by the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House, 5 State Governors and 7 eminent Nigerians nominated by the 2019 Planning Council led by Prof Anthony Kila of the Nigeria Intervention Movement, NIM.
“The special commendations to be awarded to state officials are in appreciation of the endorsement and honour done to the popular democratic struggles of the June 12 pro Democracy Movement by the Federal Government.
“The Breakfast event, which is also expected to affirm and honour MKO Abiola as President of Nigeria posthumously (accentuated by the eventual declaration of Prof Humphrey Nwosu, Chief Electoral Officer of the June 12 elections), has been scheduled to hold between 8 a.m. and 12 noon to allow majority of our pro democracy stakeholders and allies join other state planned ceremonies afterwards,” the statement reads in part.
According to the conveners, the theme of this year’s anniversary, which is billed to be chaired by Chief Emeka Anyaoku (Former Secretary General of Commonwealth) is: “MKO Abiola, Hope ’93 and the prospects of Democratic Prosperity in Nigeria: How far? How well?”
Lead Speakers and some of the Speakers slated for tributes include, Prof. Wole Soyinka; Chief Ayo Adebanjo; Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu; Gen Alani Akinriade; Commodore Dan Suleiman; Bishop Mathew Kuka; Prof Pat Utomi; Dr Authur Nwankwo; Col. Umar Abubarkar Dangiwa; Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Rt Hon Ghali Umar Naaba; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Dr Orji Uzor Kalu; Comrade Frank Kokori; Senator Shehu Sani; Pastor Tunde Bakare; Mrs Ayo Obe; Dr. Mrs Oby Ezekwesili; Mr Femi Falana; Madam Ganiat Fawehinmi; Bashorun Dele Momodu; Comrade Olusegun Mayegun; Comrade Sowore Omoyele; Festus Keyamo; Alhaji Shetimma Yerima and Comrade Josef Eva among others.
Tributes and Honours session of the ceremony will be anchored Olawale Okunniyi (Convener, June 12 Democracy Movement of Nigeria).
There will also be the laying of the traditional Wreaths of Honour at the Tomb of MKO Abiola.
Historic Roll Call of Honours of Heroes, Heroines and Allies of the June 12 pro democracy struggles both living and departed will be made.
