The family of late Chief MKO Abiola has urged President Bola Tinubu to push for legislation that would permanently institutionalise June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
Speaking during a prayer session held at the Abiola family house in Abeokuta, Hameen Abiola, son of the late 1993 presidential candidate, said institutionalising the date would ensure future generations do not forget the sacrifices made for Nigeria’s democracy.
The Ogun State government, represented by Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele, also joined the family and associates to honour the late politician. Governor Dapo Abiodun, in a message delivered at the Democracy Day event in Abeokuta, called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to democratic ideals and encouraged youths to actively participate in civic life.
Meanwhile, in Osogbo, the Osun Civil Societies Coalition staged a peaceful protest to mark the day, demanding that the Federal Government pay entitlements to the Abiola family as rightful compensation. Emmanuel Olowu, chairman of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Osun, said the protest aimed to highlight the country’s persistent challenges and the need for responsive governance.
