In rounding up this year’s Democracy Day celebration, Coalition of Pro Democracy Group for a Better Nigeria held a special prayer for the survival of Democracy and for the repose of the souls of the departed during the struggle for Democracy in Nigeria.
The prayer was in commemoration of the restoration of the democratic Election of MKO Abiola on June 12 1993, which was annulled by the Ibrahim Babangida government, was held at the residence of the late Chief MKO Abiola at Ikeja, Lagos.
Stakeholders and members of the support group call on the Federal Government to approve their request of the propose bid on having a new #2000 currency with the image of MKO Abiola printed on it.
Speaking with journalist at the event, the paramount ruler of Ibadan land, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, ably represented by High Chief Lekan Alabi, The Maye Olubadan of Ibadan land, the First Culture Ambassador of the National Museum and Monument Ile-Ife and a Veteran Journalist, urged the government to restore dignity and honour of traditional rulers taken away by colonialist.
Olubadan of Ibadan land in his remark admolish the Nigerian government to operate in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I challenge the government to please operate with the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria, in which all tribes are equal, during the immediate past government there was superiority of tribes in which only the Fulani tribe were recognised in power.”
He noted that,”They should take take us citizens equal, all appointments should be base on merit, which was what Chief Awolowo stood for during his life time “.
Prof. Ishaq Akintola, the professor of Islamic Studies at the Lagos State University and the Director Muslim Rights Concern, in his words noted that,” I look forward to democracy where a son of nobody will make it to the highest level, get the best job or opportunity, have access to all dividend of democracy in which none shall be oppressed.”
On his advise to Nigerians and the present administration of President Tinubu, Prof. Ishaq Akintola said, ” Nigerians need to be patient, we cannot judge the present administration nor the appointments now, you don’t judge the taste of a woman’s soup until you get to the table.
“My advice to Mr President is that, he should consider the fear, doubt and expression of patriots particularly ethnicity and religious groups. If we start judging him now, we might scramble him into taking decisions that will not favour the country”.
Comrade Awabamiji, the National Coordinator Coalition of Pro Democracy Group for a Better Nigeria, in his address on the lesson learnt so far from democracy said, “Whatever we do today, history will tell someday, thirty years ago, June 12 1993 election which was the freest and fairest election was annulled and today there, we have birth Renewed Hope which makes President Tinubu the reincarnation of MKO Abiola.”
Present at the event was Lekan Abiola, Son of Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Of Staff, Olubadan of Ibadan land, Princess Olayinka Balogun, Engr. Joshua Olukayode Popoola, the gubernatorial candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and other stakeholders and members of the support group.
