Nigerians have been called upon to unite and build the country,
irrespective of tribe, religion and colour.
Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy, made the call on Monday
at the residence of Chief MKO Abiola during the laying of wreath at his grave to mark the 30th Anniversary of June 12, 1993, election
According to Sanwo-Olu: “With unity, a lot would be achieved that would elevate the country,” adding that during the June 12 election, Nigerians came together to vote massively for Late Abiola, whom they believed, would transform Nigeria.
”It’s really unbelievable that it’s 30 years. But it just tells us that time waits for nobody. So time will not wait for our country and it will not wait for all of us.
”All that Chief MKO Abiola wants is good governance so that we can elevate the destiny of these 200 million people out of poverty, that’s all.
”However, in his memory, we must remember what happened. Christians, Muslims, everybody came together to vote for a Muslim-Muslim ticket. So we did de-emphasise religion and ethnicity. We came together as a people.
”So we must unite as a people, come together as a country so that we can build this nation. It is natural that we have our differences but it is important that we come together to build this nation,” he said.
The Governor said that in the memory of all the great men and women who were murdered because of the June 12, 1993, election, citizens must come together to build the nation.
”So the essence is for us as a people to come together and to always say never again shall injustice rule in our country,” he said.
Lola Edewor Abiola, one of the daughters of the late MKO Abiola, commended the state government for their annual visits and support to the family.
She noted that Sanwo-Olu has been championing democracy in the state and hopes to see a better country, which is what June 12 stands for.
She said her father contested for the Presidency so he could help the poor.
While acknowledging the crowd that thronged the residence, she said it was not unusual for such a large number of people to visit their residence when her father was alive to seek financial assistance from him.
“Growing up, a crowd like this was usual in our house when my father was alive. Every day, when he was in the country, people would be allowed to enter the compound without knowing where they came from. They would put whatever request they had before him and he would help them. He saw many people needed help and that was why he ran for the Presidency.
“One of the members of the struggle for democracy is now the president of Nigeria. We hope to see great improvement from this administration and we hope they will hold the principle of June 12 dear to their heart.”
