A public affairs analyst and chairman, Anambra State chapter of Civil Liberties Organization, CLO, commrade Evangelist Vincent Ezekwueme, Sunday, said that implementation of lessons, letters and spirit of June 12th 1993 presidential election was the only desideratum and panacea towards facet of problems and challenges bedevilng the country.
Ezekwueme made the remarks in commemoration of 30th anniversary of annulled June 12 presidential election presumed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola, of Social Democratic Party, (SDP).
He recalled that on June 12, 1993, Nigerians demonstrated unprecedented and unequalled patriotism, selflessness, love for the nation and democracy by voting massively for Chief MKO Abiola.
“It is irrefutable truth that Nigerians voted above self, tribe, religion, ethnicity, clans cleavages and voted for Abiola/Kingibe candidacy inspite of Moslem -Moslem ticket.
Nigerians embraced the lessons and spirit of June 12 during 2023 presidential election in which they voted with their conscience and conviction above their political affiliations, tribes and religion but unfortunately the election was marred by avoidable man-made irregularities, manipulations and electoral injustices.
“Let us collectively and collaboratively make Nigeria and Nigerians great again by making inevitable selfless sacrifices just like Late Chief MKO Abiola by always upholding, standing, demanding and advocating for socio-economic and political justice, equality, equity, truth , egalitarian society and good governance.
“President Tinubu as strong agitator for de- annulment June 12 presidential election, should complete June 12 healing and reconciliation process by ensuring pasting of Abiola’s portrait in Aso Rock and accord his family all benefits and entitlements accruing to former Presidents.
“The President should also use 30th anniversary of annulled June 12 presidential election to give national honours to former National Electoral Commission chairman, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, who conducted freest, fairest and most credible elections in the history of the country.
“Also worthy of national honours include, the amazon and doyen of June 12 struggle and wife of MKO Abiola, Chief Mrs Kudirat Abiola and Chief Pa Alfred Rewane and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, for their patriotism, doggedness and relentless struggles towards reclaiming the annulled June 12 presidential election which is the worst man’s inhumanity against man,” he posited
According to the CLO chairman, such national honours will propel and motivate citizens to make selfless sacrifices towards nation growth and development, bearing in mind they will be appreciated and reciprocated now or in future.
“I commend former President Muhammadu Buhari for giving highest national honor to Abiola and for declaring June 12 public holiday, for without June 12 there won’t have been May 29th,” he further explained.
