Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said that the Late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, an indigene of the state and winner of the annulled 1993 June 12 presidential election remain the cornerstone of the return of the country to democratic rule 24 years ago.
Gov. Abiodun said that Abiola, a billionaire entrepreneur together with his wife, Kudirat among other heroes of democracy like Pa Alfred Rewane, Bagaulda Kaltho and many more paid the supreme sacrifice with their lives to see the country return to democratic path even if this was against the will of the then military junta.
The Governor who disclosed this while speaking during the celebration of this year Democracy Day held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, said all these patriotic Nigerians are heroes of the democracy Nigerians currently enjoy and of course deserve a special place in the history of the country.
He said that 30 years after the struggle for the actualisation of June 12 presidential mandate, one of the prominent figures in the vanguard of enthroning democracy in the country, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emerged as the President of the country with a promise to renew hope of Nigerians.
Abiodun said that there was however no better way to preserve the memory of Abiola other than by ensuring that the people enjoy democratic dividends embedded in good governance, justice, equity and fairness saying that these were the ideals Abiola lived and died for
He added that just as his government had continue to implement projects and policies that served the greater good of Ogun State in his first term in office, he would also use his second term in office to consolidate on these democratic gains and ensure that the frontiers of socio-economic development of the state is further expanded.
Abiodun thanked the immediate past President, Muammadu Buhari for the honour done this illustrious son of Ogun State by not only recognising him and declaring him as one time President-elect for the country but by also declaring June 12 as Democracy Day.
Earlier at a prayer held at Late MKO Abiola’s Family house in Gbagura Area of Abeokuta, Gov. Abiodun represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the late democrat is icon of Nigeria’s democracy and that his legacy lives on
The Governor noted that 30 years after the June 12 election, it was important to continue to reiterate the role played by the late Abiola in fighting for democracy adding that Abiola lived a good life worthy of emulation.
“ He lived a good life we should learn from. We should learn from his good deeds. He always followed the tenets of God in all his activities,” he said.
The Governor used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to continue to pray and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
He added that petrol subsidy removal was in the best interest of the country.
Abiodun stated that Tinubu was ready to develop the country, provide infrastructure, health care, education, saying that all these would make Nigeria a better country.
Responding, Ameen Abiola, one of Abiola’s son, expressed gratitude to the State Government and the people for still remembering his father even after he had gone.
He noted that his father remained someone to be emulated, saying his legacy must not be allowed to fade away.
Abiola’s son, however, expressed optimism that he believed President Tinubu would bring to reality, the vision of his late father.