In a poignant plea to the Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, the family of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, late MKO Abiola, has called for the fulfillment of outstanding incentives owed to the family.
Speaking during a solemn prayer session at the MKO Abiola family House in Gbagura, Abeokuta, the family secretary and one of MKO’s children, Ameen Abiola, emphasized the importance of honoring the commitments made to their father.
Beyond the payment of entitlements, Ameen expressed the family’s desire for the government to implement the people-oriented policies that MKO Abiola had promised Nigerians during his lifetime.
He highlighted the enduring impact of his father’s visionary agenda and called for its realization for the betterment of the nation.
The June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a watershed moment in Nigeria’s history, was tragically annulled by the military junta of General Ibrahim Babangida.
However, in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari posthumously honored MKO Abiola with the national honor of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, a recognition reserved for Presidents.
Ameen, in his conversation with journalists, appealed to the current President to ensure that the presidential entitlements owed to the Abiola family are rightfully bestowed upon them.
He expressed confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on this commitment and acknowledged the significance of previous administrations’ contributions in this regard.
In his words; “I believe that this government has the capacity to be able to ensure that all incentives that are due to the Abiola family get to the Abiola family.
“So, I believe this government would do everything it takes to make sure that all that we ought to have got from previous government would get to us.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State also underscored the importance of commemorating the June 12 election, which marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy.
Represented by Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun emphasized the exemplary life led by MKO Abiola, urging Nigerians to draw inspiration from his virtuous deeds and unwavering commitment to the principles of God.
He said; “He lived a good life we should learn from. We should learn from his good deeds. He always followed the tenets of God in all his activities.”
Speaking at a rally held in celebration of June 12 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun called for unwavering support for President Tinubu, hailing him as a steadfast advocate of the June 12 struggle.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by recent policies, such as subsidy removal, the governor called for resilience and unity, emphasizing the long-term benefits that would outweigh any temporary inconveniences.
He said, “It is gratifying that one of the dependable, loyal, dogged and hardened proponents of the June 12 struggle, Bola Tinubu, is today the President of Nigeria.
“Some of the recent policies, like the subsidy removal, may come out with some initial inconvenience, but we must persevere as the benefit far outweighs whatever it is we are sacrificing.
“As we move on in our democratic journey, it is important for us to continue to be patriotic in all our daily activities.”
