On June 12, Nigerian presidential hopefuls Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi are among the luminaries expected to attend a memorial service for the late MKO Abiola.
On Friday, Anthony Kila, chairman of the event’s organizing committee, made the announcement.
Abiola was proclaimed the winner of the presidential election on June 12, 1993.
The election was invalidated by the military government at the time, resulting in huge protests across the country.According to the statement, the event, which will be hosted at MKO Abiola family compound in Lagos State named as the Nigeria’s Democracy Centre, is aimed complimenting the official recognition of June 12 by the government as Nigeria’s Democracy Day arising from the martyrdom of MKO Abiola.
The statement added that the event would be a hybrid of virtual and physical attendance due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The statement reads, “To this end, the historic event is expected to witness prayers, tributes, roll Calls of Honour to Heroes and Heroines of Nigeria’s Democracy and the Laying of Wreath of Honour in memory of the Martyrdom of MKO Abiola, who sacrificed his precious life to defend the mandate of the Nigerian people freely given to him on June 12, 1993 in birthing the current Democratic rule in Nigeria.
“Some of the eminent Nigerians invited to Speak and pay Tributes at the event themed ‘Hope 93 & June 12 Elections: Lessons for Credible Elections in 2023’ are Prof Wole Soyinka, Chairman of the Occasion, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, Mr Peter Obi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, General Alani Akinriabde, Prof Pat Utomi, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Barr Femi Falana, SAN, Barr Mike Ozekhome SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Senator Shehu Sani, Chief Dele Momodu among others already invited to the event. Similarly, Invitations have been sent to all Pro June 12 Governors and Stakeholders to speak and pay tributes at the event with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu as Chief Host of the day.
“However, due to the subsisting COVID-19 19 protocols, this year’s anniversary celebration is being organised as a hybrid event to accommodate more participants online via Zoom as from 11am, as this year’s anniversary celebration is also billed to witness the annual Roll Calls of Honours for distinguished Nigerians nominated as heroes, Heroines of the Nigerian Democracy.