Today is a special celebration of the anniversary of June 12. For us in kogi State.
We all recall that a historic event happened on this very day in 1993 when Chief Moshood Kasimawo Abiola stood as a candidate in a presidential electionadjudged to be the freest, fairest and most credible in the history of our nation. It was a day Nigerians demonstrated unity and put aside ethnic and religious biases to speak overwhelmingly with one voice.
Sadly, the aspiration of Nigerians expressed through the ballot was truncated by the military.
Since then, the struggle for democracy has been relentless, championed by progressive Nigerians, men of character and courage who challenged the military junta.
Hon. Ananyi stated through his media aide, Not only was June 12 recognised, the symbol of the struggle, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola is to be conferred posthumously with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic [GCFR], his running mate, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
We salute President Muhammadu Buhari and Our awaiting President His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Adoza Bello the Executive Governor of Kogi of State for demonstrating exceptional courage to stand by justice and the truth.
Today, we salute leaders of the struggle including Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Ambassador Walter Carrington, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya, Chief Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Mr. Wale Oshun, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and other Nigerians and Civil Society Organisations, Trade and Labour unions.
Our present democratic experience may still be far from ideal but we must all make concerted efforts to entrench fiscal federalism which is the only way to achieve true nationhood. We are absolutely convinced that it is the right way to go for us to realise the optimum potential and prosperity of the federating States and the nation.
On this historic day, I am convinced more than ever before that this ideal will be realized sooner than we can imagine.
I thank you all and wish all kogitie and Nigerians happy June 12 victory celebrations.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Singed
Gomina Habib
Media Aide
