The House of Representatives has voted to confer on Chief MKO Abiola posthumously the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) which is normally give to the president of the country in an effort to immortalize the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and in recognition of his ultimate sacrifice in the enthronement of democratic governance in Nigeria.
The motion was raised by Honourable Member, Sani Zorro representing Gargarwa Federal constituency of Jigawa State. Zoro said that a vacuum was created following the death of Abiola. “It is worthy to remember him always as a Nigerian who touched lives more than any other person in his lifetime. “Abiola also contributed in ensuring religious harmony by building bridges between faith organisations in the country,’’ he added.
Zorro argued that apart from being acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election by polling eight million out of the 14 million votes cast, Abiola contributed immensely to the political development of the country. “It will not be a novelty to bestow the GCFR on someone who is not a president of the country. “Former President Shehu Shagari bestowed the same honour on late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1983. “I believe that we should immortalise MKO Abiola by conferring on him this highest honor in the country,’’ he said.
Contributing, Rep. Anayo Nnebe (Anambra-PDP) urged the Federal Government to declare June 12 of every year as Democracy Day in the country. According to him, it was a day that Nigeria witnessed the most credible election. “June 12, 1993 election had more significance for the country’s democracy compared to May 29, which is currently being celebrated as Democracy Day. “The annulment of June 12 is an act of irresponsibility and recklessness by the then military regime. “I want to add that June 12, should be declared a national holiday to reflect issues that transpired; It should be seen as a national issue and not regional one,’’ Nnebe stated.
Similarly, a member representing Epe Federal Constituency of Lagos, Rep. Wale Raji, urged the Federal Government to declare the result of the annulled election by announcing late Abiola the posthumous President-elect.
Ruling on the motion, The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara referred the matter to the House Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure enforcement of the resolution.
