Ogun Govt, Kaka, Balarabe Musa, Okei-Odumakin commend Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day

President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclamation of June 12 as Democracy Day  has continued  to generate a groundswell of commendations.
The president had on Wednesday declared that Nigeria’s Democracy Day would now be celebrated on June 12 rather than May 29 in honour of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola, the acclaimed  winner  of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The Ogun State Government, in a statement, expressed gratitude to the president for conferring “the most prestigious award” on Abiola, who was said to have won the election considered the freest and fairest in the nation’s political history.
A statement by Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Buhari, describing him as a man who believes in justice.
It said that though  some people might believe  that the honour came a bit late, it was still a welcome development.
“Although, this posthumous award may appear to some people to have come late, we thank the president.
“We urge all lovers of democracy and goodwill to continue to support the ideals for which Chief M. K. O Abiola lived and died.
“ For us in Ogun State, we shall not forget Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola,” the statement read in part.
Former Senator representing  Ogun East, Adegbenga Kaka,  said the honour done Abiola was   long overdue, adding that his  sacrifices resulted in  the dividends of democracy being  enjoyed by Nigerians today.
He, however,  said beyond the award,  more should be done to immortalise Abiola’s name  while a national monument should be named after him.
The former lawmaker  commended Buhari for the gesture while also praying for more wisdom “to do what is right.’’
“Beyond the award, there should be a formal pronouncement recognising him as president  so that it will be on record forever.
“We’re still expecting the immortalisation of his name and a national monument named after him,” Kaka said.
Mr Olakunle Olumo, the Deputy Speaker of  Ogun State House of Assembly, also commended  the president for “eventually declaring June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebration.’’
The deputy speaker opined that every Nigerian  should applaud the declaration of the president.
He explained that the honour done  MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi for their contributions to the enthronement  democracy in Nigeria was a sign that the government meant well for the nation.
“The decision would be a great relief  to the family that at least the man did not die in vain.
“It does not matter if it has anything to do with 2019 election, any decision by a sitting president or a governor or anyone that is elected is read into a political realm.
“Any political decision that serves people right, that meets the aspiration  of  the people should be encouraged.  It doesn’t remove the right of citizens to vote for the candidate of their  choice.
“It is a decision that will encourage Nigerians to always fight for their  rights and stand by the truth always, even if they are not recognised while they were living.
“Somebody will come and recognise them later.
” Don’t forget, part of our national anthem says the Labour of Our Heroes Past Shall Never Be In Vain, and that is what the president has just done,” he said.
Prof. Sheriff  Folarin, a Senior Lecturer in the  Department of Political Science and  International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, described the honour done Abiola as victory for the Nigerian people.
Folarin said that since 1994, there had been agitation by  Nigerians to honour June 12, but it was dishonoured by the past governments.
The don said that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who was supposed to honour June 12 because he was from the South-West Zone, also dishonoured it.
Folarin, however, said Abiola  had finally being vindicated with the  honour  and all those that struggled for June 12 would now see that “the seed planted long ago had finally germinated.’’
He also said that any attempt by a  new government to change it back to May 29 would attract  serious criticisms  from  Nigerians.
Activists also commended Buhari for declaring June 12  as the new Democracy Day.
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of Women Arise for Change Initiative (WA), said: “We accept these honors no matter how belated because we and other Nigerians have campaigned around these issues over the years.”
She said June 12 could not be forgotten so fast by Nigerians because it was the day Nigerians freely elected a President in the freest and fairest election.
The rights activist prayed that the spirit of June 12 would take firm root in Nigeria future elections.
““It is our wish that the essential spirit of June 12 takes firm root in our land with free and fair election and become a norm in our land.
“”From the Ekiti elections scheduled for July 14 and the general elections in 2019. That is the moment the spirits of Abiola and all martyrs of June 12 will forgive Nigeria’’. She said.
Alhaji Balarabe Musa, National Chairman of Peoples Redemption Party and former governor of old Kaduna State, said Buhari’s action had given Nigerians renewed hope.
“President Buhari’s action with regards to declaration of June 12 as democracy day and award of the highest honour to late Chief MKO Abiola are relevant, just, courageous and patriotic.
““The actions give hope that President Buhari can do the right thing and correct wrongs before it’s too late for him and for the nation,’’ Musa said.