The Forum for Justice and Human Rights Defence has called for the recognition of the late Chief MKO Abiola as a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The National Coordinator of the forum, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, insisted that the best way to immortalise the late Abiola was for the Presidency to list his name among the former Presidents of the country.
Ikimi, who spoke to our correspondent in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, also asked the Presidency to declare June 12 as Democracy Day or a national public holiday.
Apart from recognising Abiola as a former President, Ikimi asked the government to name a public institution after the late politician.
He said, "Chief MKO Abiola, who is the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, remains a true symbol of democracy.
"We do hereby join the human rights community in Nigeria and all true democrats from all walks of life as they gather to mark this year's June 12 day in commemoration of the 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief MKO Abiola, and which was illegally annulled by the military junta of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in a nationwide broadcast two weeks after the exercise.
"The presidential election held on June 12, 1993 remains the best and the fairest election to be held throughout the chequered history of elections in Nigeria."
The Punch