Politics
Gov.Dapo ABIODUN’S JUNE 12 ADDRESS
ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, PRINCE DAPO ABIODUN MFR, AT THE YEAR 2020 JUNE 12 COMMEMORATION ANNIVERSARY, HELD ON FRIDAY, 12TH JUNE, 2020
My dear people of Ogun State,
This day 27 years ago, Nigerians defied all their traditional fault-lines to vote en-mass for Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola as the President of our great nation. That day, there was no North, South, East or West. Nobody cared about tribes and tongues. It did not matter that it was a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Everybody wanted progress and voted for change in a manner unparalleled in the history of Nigeria.
2.It was a day Nigeria came together and there has never been a day like it again. This is because MKO Abiola won the election, fair and square. Abiola scored 58.36% of the 14 million votes cast. Abiola won in 20 of the then 30 States of the federation. He had a spread across all the geo-political zones. The election was declared Nigeria’s freest and fairest Presidential election by national and international observers, with Abiola even winning in his opponent’s home-State. June 12 is, thus, a day to remember Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola as well as other democracy martyrs.
3.I am talking about: (i) Free and fair elections; (ii) Uncoercedexpression of voters’ preference in election; (iii) Respect for electorate as unfettered final arbiter on elections; (iv) Decorum and fairness on the part of the electoral umpires; (v) Absolute respect for the rule of law. MKO remains the iconic reference for and symbol of ONE NIGERIA and our closest link to DEMOCRACY. Had we sustained the momentum, perhaps our great Nation, Nigeria, would have moved from its Third World Status to First World like Lee Kwan Yew’s Singapore.
4.Indeed, beside the Day the Union Jack flag was lowered for the Nation’s Green-White-Green flag, on October 1, 1960, there is no day with national significance like June 12, 1993. This is because in spite of the uniqueness and peculiarities of Nigeria, the election of MKO Abiola demystified all stereotypes about the so-called centrifugal and centripetal forces. June 12 was complete in answering to all the prerequisites which constitute an irreducible minimum for democracy.
5.Many Nigerians have always been of the opinion that June 12 should be a national holiday. However, only some Nigerian States were actually celebrating it until Tuesday, 6th June, 2018, when President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR surprised the whole nation by choosing June 12 to replace the hitherto May 29 as the fair, right and proper day to celebrate our National Rebirth and real day of Democracy.
6.Let me use this opportunity to once again thank President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for conferring the highest National honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on Late (Chief) Moshood Kashimawo Abiola on Tuesday, 12th June, 2018. That the President understood the need to correct the injustice done to a proud son of Ogun State and redressed it as a pre-requisite for peace and unity is not only commendable, it is worthy of emulation. As President Buhari rightly observed, we should consider this honour of Democracy Day as part of the process of healing and reconciliation as a National apology from our leaders to all of us. And, as today is the first year anniversary since our President recognized the day, we should ordinarily roll out the drums in Ogun State. We would have had a better and bigger celebration of June 12 if not for the global pandemic of COVID-19. Even if he had been around, President MKO Abiola, GCFR, would not have endorsed such indiscretion at this grievous period of the dreaded virus.
7.But even at that, we recognize that we have to do what we need to do in recognition of the Late MKO Abiola because we are all beneficiaries of his democratic sacrifice, which paved way for the democracy we all enjoy today. We know that democracy has been fully watered by the blood of some Martyrs and Abiola occupies a prime position in this respect. It was then not a surprise when he was given the posthumous highest award in Nigeria, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR).
8.As the Nation commemorates June 12, 1993, General Election, we celebrate Chief Abiola, the great Ogun State avatar, selfless philanthropist, successful businessman and social democrat. This is not just because the election remains a watershed in the political history of our country but because it is an attestation to the demonstrable show of love and patriotism that reverberate across the country and the rest.
9.Let me say that another significant element of the success of the June 12 election is based on the vision of the Late (Chief) MKO Abiola as anchored in his programme of creating prosperity for all the people of Nigeria. He believed that the wealth of Nigeria was sufficient enough for all her citizens, regardless of geographical location, sex, age, religion or tribes. It is in record that MKO Abiola was the first Presidential candidate that would campaign far and wide to all States of Nigeria before election. He had therefore felt the pulse and feelings of the people, even at the grassroots level. And, he always confirmed that he knew what poverty means, but he was also lucky to have education.
10.Thus, he saw education as a veritable vehicle for emancipation of the people. We are not surprised that Abiola aligned himself to education from all sides of the world . This is why he named two different educational facilities after his father, Salawu AbiolaComprehensive High School, Osiele; and, also his mother, ZulikhaAbiola College of Arabic and Islamic Studies, both in the State Capital.Furthermore, the late MKO knew the centrality of people as a focus of good governance and emancipation. That was why he anchored the entire campaign of “Hope 93” towards providing prosperity for the citizens of Nigeria – he wanted to banish poverty from Nigeria.
11.We are proud to identify with the dreams and vision encapsulated in “HOPE 93”. This also provided the compass to fashionour “Building our Future Together” Agenda to rekindle hope in the people of our dear State. I believe that the best way to immortalize thelate MKO Abiola is to ensure that the ideals that he lived and fought for,continue to live even after him. We must continue to propagate the evolution of democratic ideals and principles for further development of the Nigerian as a Nation. Our “Building our Future Together” Agenda is following the narrative of Abiola’s HOPE projects in education, agriculture, poverty alleviation, affordable healthcare, provision of infrastructure and good governance. These form the bases for our Administration’s unalloyed commitment towards upholding the principles of good governance of inclusiveness, openness, transparency, accountability, fairness, justice, equity, and obedience to the rule of law.We believe this will in turn engender more contributions from the people to the continued development of our dear State.
12. Let me once again reassure our people that we will continue to ensure that the dividends of democracy and benefits of good governance get to the generality of the people of Ogun State under our watch. We are committed to giving priority to the people as the focus of our Administration. We will continue to rekindle the hope of the people and reawaken their belief in their government. That is the best memorial we could ever give MKO. As an Administration, we will continue to live up to the ideals of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola GCFR, and keep his dreams alive through continued and faithful implementation of our policies and programmes as reflected in our ISEYA acronym, that is:
I –Infrastructure
S – Social Welfare and Wellbeing
E – Education
Y – Youth Development, and
A – Agriculture and Food Security
13.Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, as we reflect today on the unquantifiable, selfless sacrifice and contributions of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola to the development of our fatherland, let us remember in his words that “Only real democracy can move our Nation forward towards progress, and earn her the respect she deserves from the international community”. I therefore enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to the service of the nation and continue to remain united and patriotic. No greater honour can be bestowed on Late Chief Abiola than this. This is when the labour of the highly revered politician, businessman and philanthropist as well as other heroes shall not be in vain.
14.Ladies and gentlemen, on a concluding note, I enjoin all of you to continue to pray for the repose of the soul of the gallant father of democracy, our own dear uncle, father, great-grandfather and symbol of Nigeria’s unity, late Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola GCFR. There was no humiliation that he did not endure; no snare that was not put in his path; no setup that was not designed for him in his endeavour to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that was bestowed on him. We remember today, as always, that you died that Democracy may survive in Nigeria. We pray that your beloved wife, Alhaja Kudirat, and other patriots whose blood water the field of democracy that we now enjoy find peace with their Creator. May the soul of Chief MKO Abiola continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen!
15.I thank you all for listening, and God bless.
Igbega Ipinle Ogun, ajose gbogbo wa ni o!
Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR
Governor of Ogun State, Nigeria
Friday, 12th June, 2020
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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