June 12 Democracy day: Why I can’t talk now —Kingibe

RUNNING mate of the late Chief Moshood Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, said the Federal Government’s declaration of the day as Democracy Day was a great honour but he said he could not express his feelings now because he is in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for umrah (lesser hajj).

He also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the announcement that a national honour would be conferred on Abiola, acclaimed winner of the election, himself and the late human rights lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

Kingibe declined further comment on the issues.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that he preferred to concentrate on the religious rites for now.

“I really appreciate this. I will love to express my feelings but right now, I am in Makkah praying to make peace with my Maker.

“There will be time enough to share worldly thoughts with friends,” the former Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) said.

On his part, a former General Secretary, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Chief Frank Kokori, said the day June 12 was declared national Democracy Day was the happiest day of his life.

Kokori told NAN that the recognition of the date would go a long way in deepening Nigerians’ faith in their country.

“This declaration is not an ordinary one. It is going to encourage Nigerians to contribute selflessly to the social, political and economic emancipation of their country.

“No matter what anyone may say, President Muhammadu Buhari has, through this act, restored hope of Nigerians in Nigeria,” he said.

Buhari, on Wednesday announced the replacement of May 29 with June 12 as National Democracy Day, in recognition of June 12, 1993 presidential election believed to have been won by Abiola.

The late business mogul was also conferred, posthumously, with the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

Kokori said Buhari was the last person expected to recognise June 12.

“Ordinarily, one would have expected such a national service to come from former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who himself went to prison, though for slightly a different reason.

“But here we are and when all hopes were seemingly lost, someone came and did justice to the struggle.

“I cannot claim personal glory for roles played during the struggle in spite of countless tribulations, but the honour goes to NUPENG, and the union will come out with official reaction to this landmark gesture,” he said.