President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the heroes and heroines of the June 12 struggle, describing their sacrifices as the foundation upon which Nigeria’s democracy stands today.
In his Democracy Day address on Friday, the President said the nation owes an everlasting debt of gratitude to those who endured persecution, imprisonment, exile and even death in the fight against military dictatorship.
“Today, we honour the resilience of Nigerians who refused to surrender their faith in freedom, and the courage of those who stood firm against intimidation,” he said.
According to him, June 12 occupies a unique and sacred place in Nigeria’s political history.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” he said.
The President paid special tribute to the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
“We remember Chief M.K.O. Abiola, who won a pan-Nigerian mandate transcending ethnicity and religion,” he said.
He also honoured the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, whose courage during the struggle became a symbol of resistance against military rule.
The President remembered a long list of democracy advocates whose contributions shaped modern Nigeria.
Among them were Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Alfred Rewane, Pa Abraham Adesanya, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Frank Kokori, Arthur Nwankwo, Chima Ubani and General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua.
The President said the sacrifices of these individuals must never be forgotten.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought,” he said.
According to him, the greatest tribute Nigerians can pay to the heroes of June 12 is to build a nation founded on justice, accountability and equal opportunity.
“The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he said.
