The family of late Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 Presidential election, on Saturday, disclosed that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government has not fulfilled promises made to the family last year.
The family’s secretary, Rahaman Abiola, made this known when a delegation of the Ogun State government, led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, visited the Abeokuta family house of the late Abiola to celebrate the June 12 democracy day.
Abiola was believed to have won the June 12 election, which was adjudged the freest and fairest election in the history of the country. But the election was annulled by the then military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.
In honour of the family, President Buhari had last year moved the country’s democracy day celebration from May 29 to June 12 to honour the late Abiola.
Rahaman said since the declaration by Buhari, the family is yet to benefit anything from the Federal Government.
He however said, “We are happy indeed that President Muhammadu Buhari deemed it fit to honour Abiola by giving him the GCFR and made June 12 official Democracy Day. Kudos to that.
“So far so good, we have not benefitted anything from the Federal Government.
“Ogun State Government right from Chief Olusegun Osoba to Governor Gbenga Daniel, to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and now to Governor Dapo Abiodun, they always honour MKO Abiola every June 12.
“Ogun State Government will always come with all the machinery to mark the day. Our breadwinner has gone. We have not seen promises from the FG yet.
“On June 12, the state government is trying its best. I give kudos to them on June 12. Governor comes here always to pay solidarity visit to the house and empower us to make sure June 12 is celebrated all the time.”
Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun has called on those calling for the disintegration of Nigeria to shelve the idea and embrace unity in the spirit of June 12.
The Governor, who stated this at an event organised by the State government to mark the celebration of democracy day, said, “MKO Abiola and his mandate should serve as a reminder to all of us that we are stronger together as a Nation.
“He (Abiola) broke all barriers such as religion and ethnicity that are being used in Nigeria today to divide us. He won across the length and breadth of this country, even at the backyard of his main opponents. It was a phenomenon that should remind us that we are greater than our challenges.
“Unless and until we embrace the essence of the MKO persona, internalise belief in self, faith in a united country, and other initiatives that help to engender a sense of shared heritage amongst Nigerian people, we will continue to be a country in search of Nationhood.
“Let us push all the negative and divisive forces and policies on the back-foot and embrace the symbolism of June 12. Let us join hands to make Nigeria work for all Nigerians.
“This will end all quest for self-determination and other sectarian agitations and calm frayed nerves. June 12 represents what will strengthen the country’s unity, indivisibility, and oneness.”
