President Bola Tinubu has recalled the memory of the winner of the June 12, 1999, presidential election, Aare Moshood Abiola, describing him as the true champion of Nigeria’s democracy.
President Tinubu was commemorating the 25th year anniversary of the death of Chief Abiola in a message he tweeted on his verified Twitter handle, @officialABAT.
“Today, our nation honors the sacrifice and example of a true hero, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, 25 years after his sad demise. A true champion of democracy, his courage and integrity, complete dedication to public service, exemplified the highest ideals of our great nation. His legacy endures and his message of hope echoes still. May Allah SWT grant him mercy and increase his rewards”, the President said.
A daughter of late Abiola, Rinsola Abiola, also on Friday, lauded her late father. She extolled the virtues of the late Abiola, and also offered prayers for his family and “everyone still grieving.” “It’s been 25 years since my father died. He meant a lot to many and means so much, still.
“For every smile he inspired, may his sins be struck out. For every heart he lifted, may Allah have mercy on him. For all that he did, for his sacrifice, for his loving heart, for his contributions in the way of Allah and commitment to helping others, may Allah grant him forgiveness,” She wrote on her known Twitter handle.
In her own tribute to the late politician, Chief Mrs. Remi Adiukwu pray for the repose of his soul, taking solace in the fact that Nigerians will never forget the sacrifice Abiola made or the entrenchment of democracy in the country. “Forever, Nigerians will remember M.K.O Abiola and appreciate the supreme price he paid for us to enjoy democracy,” she said.
President of Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, recalled that “M.K.O. Abiola stood in the gap between light and darkness, an unfamiliar angel of a different hue who was read as too deep into comfort for a fight. But they read him wrong.” She urged the federal government to address issues around posthumous benefits of the late MKO Abiola as well as work to realize Abiola’s vision for Nigeria.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
