June 12: Atiku Hails Heroes Of Nigeria’s Democracy, Urges Leaders To Emulate Them

The former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the government and people of Nigeria to honour and remember the heroes of the country’s democracy as Nigerians commemorate the annulled June 12 1993 elections.

A statement released by the Atiku Media Office quoted Atiku to have described June 12 as one of the most significant dates in Nigeria’s political history, and a day not to be forgotten.

“For the first time, Nigerians defied tribe and tongue to vote in one of the freest and fairest elections of our time,” Atiku said.
He added that the outcome of the elections were pitiful, with the elections being annulled by the then military government.

“However, I am happy that, over time, especially with the recent elections which took place on March 28, Nigerians have been able to overcome our sordid past,” he said.

He identified the heroes of Nigeria’s democracies, without whom the gains of today would not have been achieved. Atiku specifically mentioned the late Shehu Musa Yar’adua, the late MKO Abiola, the late Kudirat Abiola, and the late Gani Fawehinmi, among several others.

“These are the heroes upon which the foundations of the democracy we enjoy today were built,” he said. “Today especially, we must remember them and be grateful for their efforts, and their sacrifices.”

The Turaki Adamawa therefore called on the upcoming leaders and aspiring Nigerian leaders of today to emulate these past heroes who gave their all for the benefit of all.