President Muhammadu Buhari has
formally conferred late MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993
presidential election, with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
Buhari conferred Abiola with the
honour — received by Kola, his son — on Tuesday in Abuja.
The result of the election was
annulled by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida before they were
announced.
Buhari also confered Baba Gana
Kingibe, Abiola’s running mate in the election; and Gani Fawehinmi, late human
rights activist, with the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON).
While announcing the investiture,
Buhari also declared June 12 as new date for Democracy Day, in place of May 29,
the usual date.
He had said the fact that the
outcome of that election was not upheld by the then military government “does
not distract from the democratic credentials of that process.”
“June 12th, 1993 was the day when
Nigerians in millions expressed their democratic will in what was undisputedly
the freest, fairest and most peaceful elections since our Independence,” he had
said.
Abiola’s honour had generated
missed reactions among Nigerians, especially at the national assembly.
Some lawmakers had said both the
investiture and the June 12 public holiday is unconstitutional, while others
said it is well deserved.
But Femi Falana, human rights
activist and senior lawyer, faulted those kicking against the investiture,
saying Buhari could honour any Nigerian “dead or alive”.
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