https://opr.news/77092316261002en_ng?link=1&client=iosnewsThe Presidency has declared that no individual or institution will be allowed to subvert the electoral decision of Nigerians again, stressing that the sacrifices of those who fought for democracy must remain a guiding principle in the nation’s political development.
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, made the declaration on Thursday during the official screening of MKO, a documentary chronicling the life, political career and democratic struggle of the late business mogul and politician, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The event took place at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts in Lagos as part of programmes organised to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
President Tinubu was among the attendees, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. Several political leaders, government representatives, legislators, state governors and other notable personalities also graced the occasion.
Directed and produced by American-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, the film revisits the historical circumstances surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its cancellation by the military administration and Abiola’s determination to reclaim the mandate widely associated with his victory.
It further examines his detention in 1994 following his declaration of electoral victory and his eventual death while in custody in 1998.
During the ceremony, Onanuga observed a moment of silence in honour of Nigerians who lost their lives while resisting military dictatorship. He maintained that the contributions of individuals who confronted authoritarian rule should remain permanently documented.
Among those remembered were prominent activists and political figures such as Anthony Enahoro, Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, Alfred Rewane, Frank Kokori, Ndubuisi Kanu, Dan Suleiman, Chima Ubani, Bola Ige, Cornelius Adebayo, Ayo Adebanjo and Balarabe Musa.
He equally acknowledged the contributions of media practitioners and publishing organisations that endured intimidation, detention, abductions, confiscation of publications and other restrictions while reporting the pro-democracy movement.
Onanuga also recognised legal practitioners who represented political detainees, students who organised demonstrations, organised labour, particularly NUPENG members who embarked on industrial action, academics who supported the campaign and Nigerians abroad who sought international backing for democratic governance.
He noted that several participants suffered imprisonment without prosecution, forced displacement, financial losses and destruction of their businesses because of their resistance to military administration.
According to him, Nigeria’s return to civilian government came through enormous personal sacrifices, making it necessary for present and future leaders to uphold the people’s electoral choices.
He described the film as a historical tribute to Abiola and the wider movement that challenged military rule.
Meanwhile, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, explained that the production was intended to preserve the memories of June 12 and educate younger generations about the struggle.
She said the project celebrates Nigerians who paid the ultimate price in pursuit of the 1993 mandate and the democratic freedoms enjoyed today.
