• Charges Nigerians to remain steadfast
• Military rule not an option, Richard Akinnola restates
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has commuted the death sentence of 45 condemned prisoners to prison terms. He also granted pardons to 41 other inmates serving in different correctional centres in the state.
Abiodun, who spoke during the 2024 Democracy Day, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, said the decision was in exercising his prerogative of mercy as the governor of the state.
He said the celebration of June 12 Day holds immense significance as it marks the triumph of democracy, the power of the people, and the pursuit of justice and freedom, saying that the history of Nigeria’s democracy is one of struggle and perseverance.
Meanwhile, in a lecture titled: “June 12: Defining Moment in the Democratic Development of Nigeria,” the Guest Lecturer, Richard Akinnola, who chided the nation’s judiciary for being a tool in the hands of the military government to annul the June 12, 1993 elections, ondemned those calling for the return of the military as a result of the hardship in the country. Akinnola said that for democracy to thrive in the country, Nigerians must keep their leaders on their toes.
In his goodwill message, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Ogun State, Dr Niran Malaolu, eulogised Abiola for paying the supreme prize for the nation to experience democracy, noting that several Nigerians also suffered in the course of returning the country to democratic rule.
Also, Abiodun has charged Nigerians to remain steadfast and believe in the current democratic process in the country. He stated this during the prayer session held at the family home of the winner of the June 12 1993 presidential election, the late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola in Gbagura, Abeokuta.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said that his administration would continue to honour the legacy of Abiola.He added it was a pleasure that Nigerians are celebrating 25 years of unbroken democracy in this country on a foundation laid by the late Abiola.
Speaking on behalf of the late Abiola’s families, Ameen Abiola appreciated everyone for coming yearly to remember the late Abiola, especially the state government, for its unflinching support and the recent renovation of the family house.
