Politics
THE Women Arise for Change Initiative and Centre for Change, on Friday urged Nigerians to continually demand the official authentication and validation of the June 12, 1993 election results.
The June 12, 1993 election results were declared by the then electoral boss, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, the President of the groups, who made the call in a statement in Lagos said the decision to declare June 12, Democracy Day by President Muhammadu Buhari “is acceptable’’.
Okei-Odumakin said the decision was acceptable because the groups had been asking for the declaration for 27 years ago.
“Therefore, as we celebrate the heroes and heroines of Nigeria’s democracy and as Nigeria marks yet another landmark in the history of her democratic watershed, Women Arise and Centre for Change, enjoin Nigerians to continue to insist on the following demands:
“The official authentication and validation of the June 12, 1993 election results as belatedly declared by the then electoral boss, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu.
“The posthumous recognition of Abiola as President of Nigeria and for his portrait to be displayed amongst those of past Nigerian presidents and heads of state.
“A judicial commission of enquiry to unravel how the high treason of his murder was carried out, while MKO was in the custody of the Federal Government,” Okei-Odumakin said.
The rights activist also called for the restructuring of Nigeria to allow for true democracy.
“We therefore call on Nigerians, irrespective of creed, race, religious inclination or affiliation to re-dedicate themselves to the struggle for genuine democracy epitomised by credible elections.
“Entrenching the true spirit of June 12, which is free and fair elections, is the best way to immortalise MKO,” she added.
She also described the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), award given in recognition of MKO Abiola, as “a right step in the right direction’’.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly referred to as MKO Abiola, was a businessman, publisher and politician.
He contested for the presidency at the 1993 Nigerian elections and was widely regarded as the winner although the final results were not released. (NAN)
– Jun. 12, 2020 @ 15:05 GMT |
Tags: Okei-Odumakin demands official authentication validation of June 12 election results
