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June 12: ‘Immortalise Abiola, Wife’
Thirteen years after the death of Chief M.K.O. Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, Presidential Poll, his family on Saturday called on the Federal Government to immortalise him. Abiola died while in custody in Abuja on July 7, 1998.
He was arrested for declaring himself president following the annulment of the election which he was adjudged to have won.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Action Group of Nigeria (AGN) at Abiola’s residence in Ikeja, his son, Jamiu Abiola, said it was high time the late politician and his late wife, Kudirat, were immortalised.
“Nigeria should name monuments after MKO and his late wife, Kudirat.
“My parents sacrificed their lives for the democracy Nigerians are enjoying today and it is so painful that they are yet to be given their rightful place in the annals of the nation’s history.
“If the government refuses to properly honour them, we leave it to God. In civilized countries, it would never have happened,’’ he said.
Abiola said the family was not asking for contracts or appointments as compensation, but that the nation should recognise the sacrifices his parents had made.
“For Nigeria to move forward, one of the ways is to honour all those who laid down their lives for democracy.
“People like Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti and others should also be immortalised as heroes of our democracy,” he stressed.
“How will Nigeria move forward when the beneficiaries of my father’s sacrifices refuse to acknowledge that he bought them democracy with his life?,’’ he asked.
Abiola thanked Nigerians who stood by the family by keeping the ideals of June 12 alive.
In his speech, Prof. Pat Utomi, the Protem National Chairman, Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP) and Chairman of the forum, said June 12 should be observed as a national memorial day.
“The day should be set aside in memory of the nation’s heroes.
“Nations are built on myths. A country without heroes will lack the soul and spirit to overcome challenges that come with nation building.
“This is why we are thankful for the privilege of having had men like Abiola walk the path they did and gave their all that generations yet unborn may be inspired to give.
“It is for Nigeria to attain the dreams of its founding fathers,’’ he said.
Mr Mike Igini, a newly-appointed INEC National Commissioner, stressed the need for a fresh voters’ register if Nigeria must get it right in 2011.
He noted that the June 12, 1993, elections were successful because voting took place simultaneously and were free and fair.
He urged states Houses of Assembly to adopt the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, describing them as panacea to free polls.
In his remarks, Mr Tony Uran, the National Secretary, United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy (UNDEDSS), called for adequate mobilisation and sensitisation toward the 2011 polls.
Mr Mohammed Fawehinmi, son of the late human rights lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, said:“Abiola gave us a platform to actualize participatory democracy.
“We must do our best to make 2011 a year of electoral rebirth.
Dignitaries at the occasion included the President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, a former Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof. Kelvin Etta, and the National Secretary of SDMP, Dr Sadiq Abubakar.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol