The Lagos State Government on Saturday declared June 12,
2018 as public holiday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the annulled 1993
Presidential elections adjudged to be have won by the late Moshood Kashimawo
Olawale (MKO) Abiola, reports ITRealms.
The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode in a statement signed by
the Secretary to the State Government,
Mr. Tunji Bello, said the significance of June 12, 1993 elections,
adjudged as the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria, would always be a
reference point in the State's quest to entrench true democracy in service to
the people.
Commending President Buhari's recent declaration of June as
the new Democracy Day, the Governor said the singular act would forever ensure
that Chief MKO Abiola and other martyrs of democracy who laid down their lives
in the struggle to entrench good governance did not do so vain.
"On behalf of all Lagosians, we want to commend and
applaud Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit finally against all
odds from all other past presidents that 25 years after, we are able to now
celebrate our own Democracy Day and also declare that the real winner of 1993
June 12 Presidential election was actually our own MKO Abiola.
"No matter how long you try to hide history, history
will always reveal itself with a true platform. So, we know that is one very
important singular step as we go forward to build an enduring democracy. And
for all democrats in this country, we are excited that we are moving in the
right direction.
"It also affirms that Nigeria can get it right if we
begin to put things in the right perspective and work for the general good of
the greater number of people. That is the true essence of democracy.
“For us in Lagos, June 12 is not just a day to remember, it
is a rallying point for those of us in service that we must continuously strive
to entrench true democracy and good governance which is what Chief MKO Abiola
totally exemplified," Governor Ambode said.
