June 12: Soji Akanbi Lauds Buhari for Honouring MKO

The immediate past senator who represented Oyo South Senatorial district in the Upper Chamber, Senator Soji Akanbi on Wedneseday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his recent declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and signing into law the public holiday (amendment) bill.

The former Senator, who represented Oyo South senatorial district between 2015 and 2019, in his message, “It is indeed a great move and very welcome development,” adding that “In every corner of our country, this special day, in honour of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, marks the turning point in our history. 

Nigerians as a nation and as a people defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box. It reminds us of the valour, vision and dream of passionate Nigerians from all parts of the country, even our heroes past, who came together in unity of purpose to ensure a well deserved democratic rule after a long and tough military rule regime.”

The June 12, 1993 presidential election which had produced late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was annulled by the then military head of state, Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida.

Senator Akanbi message further reads, “today, we celebrate the momentous rebirth of our nation’s democracy, marking the continuation of a leadership that is inclusive and represents the interest of every Nigerian.

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In every corner of our country, this special day,in honour of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola , marks the turning point in our history. Nigerians as a nation and as a people defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box. It reminds us of the valour, vision and dream of passionate Nigerians from all parts of the country, even our heroes past, who came together in unity of purpose to ensure a well deserved democratic rule after a long and tough military rule regime.

And I sincerely commend His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill, which legalizes June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy day. It is indeed a great move and very welcome development.

In retrospect, the last three decades have been filled with many challenges; our nation has been faced with tough times yet our history shows these are not insurmountable, we only need to draw on the perseverance of those before us.

We must bear in mind that our organised strength lies in the common experiences we share with our fellow Nigerians, and our everyday successes as a nation are rooted in the foundations of our citizen-centered democracy.

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Nevertheless, we must also never forget that just as our strength lies in our commonalities and shared experiences, our most potent power emanates from our over 150 million-strong voice. When our minds are bind together as one, we are strong. When we speak out as one, we are formidable. When we demand as one, we are insurmountable.

We must therefore continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people.

It behooves on us all to be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices given by many to obtain and sustain our democracy.

We must unequivocally understand, that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed for the benefit of generations of Nigerians that are yet to come.

I celebrate every Nigerian at home and in diaspora, human right activists, our service men and women, religious leaders, military men and even lawmakers that may have been “witch-hunted especially those of 3rd Republic which Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi happened to be for standing for the truth among others, who have definitely played important roles in attaining and maintaining our democratic system. Remembering these heroes goes beyond a holiday in our homes, but ensuring that the will of Nigerians of all social status, tribes, ages and religions to embrace the true spirit of a statesman, understand our differences, join hands in unity beyond words and shoulder the responsibility of re-building Nigeria knowing that no one can build this nation except we do come together and remain as one.

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In this regard, as we reflect and celebrate JUNE 12 as our democracy day, I urge us all to march into the future with the knowledge that in the spirit of togetherness, we can achieve a lot more for our common prosperity.