June 12: FG has failed to deliver on its promises — Abiola family

On Saturday, the family of MKO Abiola, the widely acclaimed winner of the presidential election on June 12, 1993, accused the Federal Government of failing to keep pledges made to the family.

When a team from the Ogun State government, led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, visited Abiola's Abeokuta family house to commemorate June 12 Democracy Day, the family's Secretary, Rahaman Abiola, stated this in an interview with newsmen.

Chief Abiola was widely thought to have won the June 12 presidential election, which was recognized as the country's freest and fairest in its history.

To honor Abiola, President Muhammadu Buhari moved the commemoration of Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12.

On Saturday, Rahaman Abiola stated that the family has received no benefits from the Federal Government since the President announced June 12 as Democracy Day.

He stated that the federal government has failed to keep all of the family's promises.

He praised the Federal Government for bestowing the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) accolade on Abiola and establishing June 12 as Democracy Day.

“We are delighted that President Muhammadu Buhari saw fit to honor MKO Abiola by bestowing the GCFR on him and proclaiming June 12 as Democracy Day,” he stated. That is commendable.

“Thus far, so good; we have received no assistance from the federal government.

“Every June 12, the Ogun State Government honors MKO Abiola, from Chief Olusegun Osoba to Governor Gbenga Daniel, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, and currently Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“The Ogun State Government will always come with all the machinery to make the day happen and recognize that this individual was born and raised in this area. Our breadwinner is no longer with us. We have yet to see any promises from the federal government. On June 12, the state government is putting out its best effort. On June 12, I congratulate them. The governor pays a lone visit to the residence and empowers

The Governor who stated this at an event organised by the State government to mark the celebration of democracy day, said “MKO Abiola and his mandate should serve as a reminder to all of us that we are stronger together as a Nation.

“He (Abiola) shattered all the boundaries that are used to divide us in Nigeria today, such as religion and ethnicity. He was victorious across the country, including in the backyards of his key opponents. It was a phenomenon that should serve as a reminder that we are stronger than our difficulties.

“We will continue to be a country in search of nationhood unless and until we embrace the essence of the MKO persona, internalize belief in self, faith in a united country, and other measures that help to generate a feeling of shared heritage among Nigerian people.”