Ogun State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun,
on Monday, urged the Federal Government to declare the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, as elected President of Nigeria.
He said this shortly after a walk organised by the State Government tagged “Democracy Walk: Let’s Walk the Hope”, that the late business mogul paid the Supreme price for Nigeria’s democracy.
Amosun added that the celebration of the June 12 transcended the State, South West and Nigeria.
The governor said, He (Abiola) labour so much for us, he paid the supreme price for Nigeria’s democracy. The struggle he died for transcends Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West and Africa too and we are happy about that. Nigerians trust him and that is why they voted for him and he must be recognised as an elected President. It is a history we must continue to recognised. He was the President elected but denied the opportunity to govern.
” He lives on. We (office holders) must toll the path Abiola tolled. M.K.O will continue to live on and generations will come to know what June 12 is all about. June 12 will continue”.
The governor led the walk from the Cultural Centre, Kuto through major roads in Abeokuta to the Oke-Ido family house of the Abiolas.
Amosun said the state government would take the celebration beyond walk in their nearest future.
The founder of Women Arise,Dr. Joe-Odumakin said the votes cast during the election cut across tribal and religious lines, asking the FGÂ to declare a posthumous declaration of MKO as Nigerian President.
 “June 12 is our own watershed. June 12 votes cut across tribal and religious lines, it helps in promoting national integrity. June 12 was about three choices. It was non violent, it was a raining day and people went out in a non violent approach. MKO defeated Bashiru Tofa in his own place so Nigerians set aside colonial interest and overwhelming voted for a Muslim, Muslim ticket.
“24 years after June 12, we want to insist that there should be a post humous declaration of MKO Abiola as the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria. June 12 will be declared our democracy day.”
” I also want to say this in the spirit of June 12, we cannot move forward until we restructure Nigeria. As we are gathered here today, I want us to know that MKO died for so it is our collective responsibilities to keep the spirit of MKO Abiola alive. MKO Abiola paid the ultimate price so he lives forever ,” she added.
 Alhaji Tajudeen Abiola, while responding on behalf of the family appreciated the state government for supporting the family.
Abiola said, “The government has been supporting us, the Governor always help us and all his team too. Whenever they hear you are from Abiola’s family, they always help. We really thank the Governor for his support always”.
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