The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has lauded the courage of President Muhammadu Buhari on his proclamation of June 12 as Democracy Day.
He also lauded the President for recognising the nation’s past heroes of democracy, according the late winner of the presidential election, Chief Moshood Olawale Abiola, with the Grand Commander of Federal Republic (GCFR), the highest honour in the country, and honouring the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, with the Grand Commander of Niger (GCON).
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, Dr. Salaam, who is vying for governorship seat in the state, said the President has shown courage and leadership in reversing an injustice that had lingered for 25 years.
He said: “It takes courage and responsible leadership to reverse injustice, for those who directly benefitted from the struggle of June 12 which ultimately consumed the lives of Chief MKO Abiola, his wife Kudirat and tens of others failed to redress the injustice represented by the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election acclaimed to be free, fair and credible.”
Speaker Salaam also commended President Buhari for recognising the sterling quality of the late human rights defender, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, as he was posthumously honoured with national medal of GCON, the second highest honour that could be bestowed on any individual in Nigeria, saying that the honour was well deserved.
“Recognising the duo of MKO Abiola and Chief Gani Fawehinmi with the highest honour is good news coming from the right quarters. It is marvelous because the two heroes made the democracy we are enjoying today possible.
“Ignoring Abiola and Gani was an injustice to them and everyone who fought for civil rule. But these honours have come at the right time and justice is well served,” Salaam said.
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