The Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof Humphrey Nwosu, has told the Federal Government that he would be unable to attend Tuesday’s conferment of national honour on Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the June 12, 1993 election which he presided over.
In a letter forwarded to the Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha, Nwosu said he would not be able to attend as he was presently out of the country.
However, he praised the President Muhammadu Buhari administration for recognising June 12 as the new Democracy Day, and honouring Abiola with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
Nwosu described June 12 as a turning point in the nation’s struggle for a truly democratic society during the military era.
The letter read, “I thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and also honouring the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola.
“Indeed, June 12, 1993 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity. It is an honour to the very hard-working men and women of the defunct National Electoral Commission under my leadership at this long awaited recognition. I humbly commend this action by the President.
“Undoubtedly, the democratic system of governance is the best especially for a multi-ethnic nation like ours. I thank you for building on the foundation which my team and I laboured strenuously to establish and actualise on June 12, 1993.
“It is our hope that expanding the frontiers of democracy of which all the people of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic group, will provide economic, social and developmental benefits that will certainly make Nigeria a great nation not only in Africa but across the world.
“Certainly, the scheduled event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!”
At a ceremony to be held at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja by 10.00am today and witnessed by pro-democracy activists and key political figures of the 1993 era, FG will also honour Abiola’s Vice Presidential candidate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe and late foremost human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
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