Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Professor of International Law and Jurisprudence, Akin Oyebode; Lagos based Human Right Lawyer, Femi Falana and Dele Alake and other eminent Nigerians have called on the Federal Government to immortalize late Chief MKO Abiola, acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993, Presidential polls by declaring June 12 Democracy Day, in place of May 29 currently being celebrated. They made the call at a symposium organized by the State Political and Legislative Powers Bureau in collaboration with the June 12 Coalition of Democratic Formations at LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja in commemoration of 22nd anniversary of annulment of the June 12, 1993 general poll. According to Ambode, the martyrs who laid down their lives for democracy must not be forgotten. He said that, “The Centre of Excellence has always been the hub for democratic ideas and we would continue to expand the frontiers of democratic governance and freedom of our people. The indomitable spirit of Nigerians spoke loud and clear on that day, reverberating across the land” “June 12 stands as the real Democracy Day which was sanctioned by the blood of martyrs who laid down their lives for this democracy. We shall not forget them; they will always be with us. As we continue to march on and sustain democratic governance, we would enhance and empower the well being of our people.” Ambode also said June 12 symbolizes the patriotic and nationalistic spirit in all Nigerians because on that day Nigerians showed that irrespective of class or political sympathy, they would always join hands to respect national values. “On June 12, we showed irrespective of class or political sympathy, we would always join hands to respect our national values. The general elections of 1993, fired up hope in the heart of Nigerians through the candidature of an unrepentant philanthropist and nationalist, Aare Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola”, he said. Falana and other activist also faulted the claim that May 29th of every year mark the country’s democracy day, saying “June 12 stand as the real democracy day” for Nigeria. Falana, however, warned President Muhammadu Buhari to shelve any planned removal of the fuel subsidy but rather establish modular refineries to ease the pain of citizens. The human rights activists Lawyer, while addressing the congregation, raised concerns that any plans to remove the subsidy would inflict pains on the masses. Read more on vanguard.
No comments:
Post a Comment