President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tributes to iconic Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the historic June 12, 1993, presidential election, and other democracy heroes, including the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane.
In his Democracy Day address on Wednesday, Tinubu also honoured other notable heroes, including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, and Chief Bola Ige, who made significant contributions to the struggle for democratic rule in Nigeria.
The president warned Nigerians to be vigilant against forces that seek to destabilise the country’s democratic system.
Tinubu recognized the economic challenges facing the nation and reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the Nigerian people through these difficult times.
He said: “On this day, 31 years ago, we entered our rites of passage to becoming a true and enduring democratic society.
“Going through this passage was hard and dangerous. During the fateful six years that followed, we fought and struggled for our natural rights as human beings put on this earth by the divine hand of our Creator.
“We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others, sacrificed their very lives. They bravely surrendered their futures so that our nation might have a better one.
“Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.”
He emphasized the importance of remembering and honouring the sacrifices made by notable individuals like General Alani Akinrinade, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, and many others.
Tinubu noted that these individuals endured six years or more in exile, facing immense hardships.
The President also acknowledged the efforts of pro-democracy activists within the country, including Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and National Democratic Coalition leaders like Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.
“These individuals kept pressure on the military regime while their comrades were in exile, fighting for democracy and freedom.”
He acknowledged that these individuals’ sacrifices and remarkable contributions, born out of selfless commitment, are immeasurable and can never be fully repaid or forgotten, but will always be remembered and cherished.
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