June 12, (THEWILL) – As Nigerians celebrate democracy day, Hameen Abiola, one of the sons of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO), on Thursday, said that the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s aligns with his father’s vision for a better Nigeria.
Abiola, who expressed sadness that his father could not realise his vision for the country before his death, said in the company of his brother Abdulrahman Abiola, that Tinubu’s reform agenda reflects his MKO Abiola’s aspirations for a unified and progressive Nigeria.
He stated this at the June 12 cultural centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, where the Ogun State Government held its Democracy Day with the theme “Electoral Reforms and Democratic Consolidation: Enhancing Voters’ Confidence through Technology”.
Abiola, while appreciating the state government for always supporting the family of Abiola and the annual celebration of June 12, said that he could always see the reflection of Abiola’s sacrifice for democracy in Governor Dapo Abiodun.
He said, “I feel saddened that he(Abiola) was not alive to realise his vision, and I can see that President Bola’s renewed hope agenda was in line with my father’s vision for Nigeria
“I am grateful to Ogun State Government for always making June 12 an annual ritual, and I can see the reflection of his sacrifice in Ogun State Government, and it takes a good governor to reflect on what Abiola did”, he added.
Abiodun, speaking on the sacrifice of June 12, was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako Oyedele, called for unity among citizens of Nigeria to wage war against forces that could divide the country so that the sacrifice of Abiola for democracy wouldn’t be in vain.
He said, “June 12 is more than a symbol of democratic struggle, it is a powerful reminder of how Unity and courage can overcome the forces that seem to divide us.
“This day hold a deep place in the heart of Nigerians as we remember the heroism of chief Moshood Kashimawo OlaWale Abiola GCFR a man whose vision of free and democratic Nigeria came at a great personal cost, on behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State I congratulates us as we mark another year for democracy.
“It must never be remembered as just another public holiday, it is a living reminder that democracy in Nigeria was not gifted, it was hard wo,n built on sacrifice, guided by vigilance and sustained through accountability”, he added.
