The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, has declared June 12 as a public holiday in the state to commemorate the June 12, 1993 victory of Chief MKO Abiola in the presidential election.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello made this known in a statement.
According to the statement, Ambode hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising the effort of pro-democracy personalities and ensuring that martyrs like Abiola did not die in vain by his declaration of June 12 as the nation’s new Democracy Day.
He said June 12 would always serve as a reference point in the state government’s effort to democratically serve its people.
Ambode was quoted as saying in the statement: “On behalf of all Lagosians, we want to commend and applaud Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari for deeming it fit finally against all odds from all other past presidents that 25 years after, we are able to now celebrate our own Democracy Day and also declare that the real winner of 1993 June 12 Presidential election was actually our own MKO Abiola.
“No matter how long you try to hide history, history will always reveal itself with a true platform. So, we know that is one very important singular step as we go forward to build an enduring democracy. And for all democrats in this country, we are excited that we are moving in the right direction.
“It also affirms that Nigeria can get it right if we begin to put things in the right perspective and work for the general good of the greater number of people. That is the true essence of democracy.
“For us in Lagos, June 12 is not just a day to remember, it is a rallying point for those of us in service that we must continuously strive to entrench true democracy and good governance which is what Chief MKO Abiola totally exemplified.”
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