Delta politicians remember June 12, describe Abiola as unsung hero

Chieftains of various political parties in Delta State have harped on the importance of June 12, describing it as sacrosanct, saying that the winner of the election, Chief MKO Abiola remains an unsung hero.

Although there was total peace in Asaba, Ibusa, Ughelli, and its environs, but the memory of late Abiola was clearly seen in every nook and cranny of the state capital with politicians in opposition to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) converging in drinking spots discussing the qualities of Abiola.

Some of the politicians who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity particularly described the annulment of June 12 election as a tragedy orchestrated by a military General, while others said the election of June 12, 1993 remained the most credible elections so far conducted in the democratic system. “Abiola is an unsung hero, he won the election convincingly, but it was annulled for the military’s selfish reasons, Abiola is a hero.”

Noting that the events of June 12, 1993 were watershed in the history of the nation and that all Nigerians must work hard to ensure that the nation never again repeat such painful experiences, the state Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), Mr. Oke Idawane recalled that June 12 traumatised Nigerians and made many people to question the unity and oneness of the country and whether true democracy can take its root.

He described the Late M.K.O. Abiola, the leading personality in the June 12 struggle as a national hero and patriot who deserves the accolades and honour by Nigerians.

An All Progressive Congress (APC), chieftain, Chief Benjamin Okparo, called on the Federal Government to pay the necessary tribute to the late Abiola by naming a befitting national institution after him and commended Nigerians for moving beyond the challenges thrown up by June 12 and putting in place a democratic system of government that has lasted for 18 years.

Various schools in Asaba and its environs were shut down over what officials of the state ministry of education described as midterm break. Well, as is evident, the military-then under General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida-pegged its decision on what it said was the submission that a critical section of the military did not like the outcome, and perhaps, the winner, as presumed Abiola, who flew the flag of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), after he trounced Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC).