Nwosu lauds Buhari over declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day
…As President confers honours on Abiola, Kingibe, Fawehinmi today
The Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, has praised President Muhammadu Buhari for recognising June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and for honouring the memory of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the 1993 election.
In a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),Boss Mustapha, Nwosu, who presided over the polls later annulled by the military junta, said the conferment of national honours on Abiola and his running mate, Amb. Babagana Kingibe, “will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.”
President Muhammadu Buhari will today confer the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on the late Abiola (posthumously), the Grand Commander of the Niger (GCON) on Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe and the GCON on the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi (SAN).
Nwosu, who was invited for today’s event, stated that he would not be available for the investiture ceremony as he is outside the country.
The former NEC boss’ letter reads in part: “I thank President 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 M.K.O. 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 NEC 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 the 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 (today) 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”.
