Tinubu Excludes Two Prominent Persons As He Pays Homage To Pro-Democracy Activists

President Bola Tinubu has poured encomiums on activists and institutions who fought military dictatorship to birth the democracy which Nigeria now enjoys, but remarkably excluded two prominent personalities who were leading lights as a couple in the pro-democracy struggle.

GWG.ng reports that Tinubu spoke in a landmark broadcast to remember 25 years of unbroken democratic rule. It is the longest stretch of civil rule for Nigeria.

Speaking in a national broadcast, President Tinubu said:

We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives.

“They bravely surrendered their futures, so that our nation might have a better one.

“Let us honour the memories of Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Frank Kokori, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Ganiyu Dawodu, Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Chief Olabiyi Durojaiye, Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, Chima Ubani, and others who have transited to the higher realm.

“The sacrifices of General Alani Akinrinade, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Professor Wole Soyinka, Chief Ralph Obioha, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, among many others, should never be forgotten. For at least six years, they bore the pains and difficulties of life in exile.

“While the exiled pro-democracy activists kept the fire burning, their comrades at home sustained the pressure on the military brass hats. Among the latter are Olisa Agbakoba, Femi Falana, Abdul Oroh, Senator Shehu Sani, Governor Uba Sani, Chief Olu Falae, and other National Democratic Coalition leaders such as Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Ayo Opadokun.

“The sacrifices they made, and the precious gift brought about by their selfless devotion can never be repaid. Neither shall it be forgotten.

“We could not have won the battle against military dictatorship without the irrepressible Nigerian journalists who mounted the barricades along with the pro-democracy activists. We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties.”

GWG.ng, however, reports that perhaps on account of modesty, President Tinubu excluded himself and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu who have otherwise been hailed for thier contribution to the pro-democracy struggle having been banished by the military to exile.

Tinubu was honoured with the governorship ticket of the Alliance for Democracy, AD for the 1999 election in Lagos State largely on account of the role he played in the campaign against military rule while abroad.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG