Eighteen (18) years after the death of acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election in Nigeria, Late Chief MKO Abiola, Nigerians have continued to demand greater programs for immortalization of his personae.
National personalities including civil society activists, political actors, NollyWood practitioners and students today converged at the home of Late Chief MKO Abiola in Lagos to commemorate the 18th year since his demise.
Organized by the Women Arise for Change Initiative led by Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin and Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND), the 2016 anniversary was attended by a former military administrator of Lagos State, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, activists Ada Agina-Ude, Fred Agbeyegbe, Rasaq Oladosu also known as Buska and NollyWood actor, Mr. Ayo Badmus among others. Two sons of Late MKo Abiola; Messrs Tajudeen and Abdulmumini Abiola were also present to join the wreathe laying at their father’s tomb.
Speaking on the relevance of Late MKO Abiola’s existence and role in the historic June 12, 1993 Presidential election, the activists said Nigeria was for the first and ever time, united regardless of ethnic or religious differences.
On his death, they said he paid the ultimate price with his own life all in bid to actualize the promised new hope for Nigeria.
“But we lost the man and the mandate”, said Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin.
Making demands on his commemoration, the activists said the Late MKO must be properly recognized in the right status of a martyr and as well recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
“We call for public release of the election result which MKO Abiola won in 1993, and also that he should be declared a past President with his portrait officially lined up with those of past Presidents of Nigeria”, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin added.
