Democracy Day: Peter Obi, Pat Utomi, Shehu Sanni joined family to celebrate MKO

Late Moshood Kolawole Olawale (MKO) Abiola was once again celebrated on the 2th of June,2022 by family, friends and democracy fighters. The event was organised to celebrate the significance of real democracy day in Nigeria.

According to the organisers, the theme of this year’s democracy day was apt to redirect the steps of politicians that were just mere opportunist and beneficiaries of the struggles of June 12. The organisers also said it is an opportunity to enlighten young ones who are aspiring to become political leaders.

The Convener, Comrade Olakunle Okunniyi, in an interview with newsconnect at the event said;

“What we do here every year is to set agenda for the country. So that we can keep it stable and economically prosperous.

“Government should do more for the family of MKO Abiola. What Government has done is not enough for the man who sacrificed himself for the democracy we are enjoying.

“This place is abandoned, the family is abandoned. government should endeavour to take care of people who are suffering this sacrifice, members of MKO Abiola should be put on renumeration.

“If not for the sacrifice made by them, we will not be able to enjoy this. Abandoning a family like this for me and for the June 12 movement, is irresponsible and criminal. Hence we should discontinue that.

“The only way can appreciate MKO Abiola is to take care of those he left behind. His children, his wives, those people he cared for there welfare.

Senator Shehu Sanni, one of the mentee of late chief MKO Abiola in his goodwill message said it was possible for Abiola to win Muslim-Muslim ticket because he had invested across the country. He urged the royal family of democracy to unite as a family in preserving the identity of their father.

“You are the royal family of democracy, unite as a family to preserve the identity of your father.

“It has reached a point where each time your loved ones is kidnapped, you would be waiting for kidnappers to call and ask you for ransom.

“Why is Chad, Cameroon, Bennin Republic safe ?

The 9th assembly of the Senate has granted the presidency 14 billion naira loan. They have lost the respect because they do the bidding for the executives.

“Address money in politics. Bribery of delegates didn’t happen in June 12 1993”. He said.

Professor Pat Utomi in his speech said

We have a collective duty to rebuild democracy. That we have the duty to challenge the status quo such that democracy can work. Everything we have will not be enough to service our debt.

“40 percent of the most miserable people will come from Congo and Nigeria. Despite the fact both countries are blessed with natural and human resources, greed and incompetent leadership are the two main reasons they will be miserable.

“The sacrifices that have been made are too much to lose this democracy, we have to build the process, the foundation is what we have been doing so far with the establishment of this platform.

“Some people are sharing money in Ghana must go, while about 31 people were stampeded to death in Port Harcourt. Nigeria people should not be allowed to be divided with these characters.

“I salute the heroes of Nigeria, not just because Abiola was an activist, but because he litigated everything.

“I salute MKO Abiola who had nothing to lose as a successful man yet he sacrificed himself. We should emulate his leadership ethics and work ethics going forward.

“Whatever it takes our country to return to democracy from this pseudo democracy must be done”. He said.

Presidential candidate of the Labour Party Mr Peter obi who was also at the event said

“I am calling all of us to recommit ourselves which is what our great fathers stood for. The foundation laid by Buhari in recognising June 12, should be build upon. May God touch the heart of all of us to use public money for public good.

The representative of Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwolu, ably represented by Secretary to the State Government Mrs Folashade Sherifat Jaji apologised on behalf of the governor for his absence. She said;

“A lot has been said to repeat history. Let us look at how we can imbibe Abiola’s legacies so that this country can move forward.

Mrs Chika Enye, one of the mentees of Abiola and a member of NADECO movement reiterated the essence of celebrating democracy day. She said;

“We are here to educate our young ones who are aspiring to be leaders in the country. We want them to emulate the political fathers both the living and those departed to the high heaven”. China said.

Professor Antony Killer while giving his remarks at the event said vigilance is the price for democracy. It is possible to stand up for bullies and manipulators.

“It is worth noting that this administration recognises June 12.

“The Presidential speech today also reflects June 12…a story of personal sacrifice and collective struggle.

Barrister Mike Ozekhome took us to memory lane when addressing the participants, mimicked and recant his experience with MKO Abiola before his demise. He said;

“Before his foray into politics, he has already lived in the heart of Nigerians from the east to the south. His name became a household name, he won the most fairest and transparent election. It was annuled in the most satanic, dubious, most unpatriotic manner. He paid a supreme.price for Nigeria to have a nationhood. He defeated Alhaji Bashiru Tofa. He won in all military barracks, police barracks, among the youths, women and artisans. He was already a comfortable man.

“Bagata Karltho, Kudirat Abiola some escaped abroad. Some of us stood back. Shehu sanni was one of them. It was a struggle, Abiola defined the struggle. Buhari made history in 2018 by recognising June 12, for that singular act, he did the right thing. And you can’t do the right thing at the wrong time and vice versa. He believes in expressing himself in more parables than mere semantics.

“If you really want to succeed as a nation, Nigeria should be restructured. The regions were autonomous. We must go back to where we got it wrong. Section 142 of the constitution of Federal republic of Nigeria addresses that”.

The son of Abiola Abdul Mumuni Abiola in an interview with newsconmect.at the event said;

“I want Nigeria to know this celebration is not just for the Abiola family, but it is for Nigeria people in general. It is an idea established to set agenda for who will Nigerians. Let’s the candidate tell us what they intend to do.

“We can’t afford to lose four years of our lives again. If we are not careful, the future of our children will be determined by selected few selfish Nigerians. We need somebody who is going to come, who is going to be selfless. I don’t think my life is perfect but I am happy. We appreciate you people for being associated with Abiola brand.

“My Dad was the richest man in African, despite that, he went into the six feets grave. He didn’t take any of his properties with him. He didn’t take any of his cars. Politicians stocking money meant for development of the people in their private accounts should learn a lesson from Abiola’s demise”. Mumuni said.