AFENIFERE COMMENDS BUHARI ON JUNE 12 DECLARATION, SAYS TRUE TEST LIES AHEAD JULY 14 IN EKITI POLL

IKEJA, Lagos, Nigeria – The Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for declaring June 12 as democracy day. June 12, 1993 represents the freest and fairest election in the history of Nigeria which produced Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) as winner but the election was annulled by then military Head of State, Gen Ibrahim Babangida.

Speaking on radio, Secretary General of Afenifere, Mr. Yinka Odumakin commended the president for making the declaration with general elections around the corner but said whether or not the president believes in the spirit of June 12 will be seen July 14 during the governorship election in Ekiti State.

According to him, if it was actually planned, the president could have mentioned it on Democracy Day which was celebrated May 29, during which the president addressed the nation. He said that president should go ahead to accord him with everything that is due to all former head of states.
Others who called also advised the president to go ahead and name the University of Lagos as Chief Moshood Abiola University.

Chief Abiola is also to be post-humously honoured with the nation’s highest award, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR conferred on all Presidents/Heads of State. Chief Gani Fawehinmi will also be awarded the country’s second highest award of the Grand Commander of the Niger, GCON in honour of his role towards actualising the June 12 presidential election.Abiola’s running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe will also get a GCON award.

In the press statement, Buhari said:

“For the past 18 years, Nigerians have been celebrating May 29th, as Democracy Day. That was the date when for the second time in our history, an elected civilian administration took over from a military government. The first time this happened was on October 1st, 1979.

“But in the view of Nigerians, as shared by this Administration, June 12th, 1993, was far more symbolic of Democracy in the Nigerian context than May 29th or even the October 1st.