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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Executive Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Professor Ishaq Akintola, has appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience as President Bola Tinubu continues his national appointments, saying no stone would be left unturned.
Akintola made the appeal during 30th anniversary of the annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election, held at the residence of the acclaimed winner of the election, late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, in Ikeja, Lagos.
The MURIC director, who represented the Chairman of Governance Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos State, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, urged the president not to consider the fear and doubt of ethnic groups and religious critics while doing good for Nigerians
“The food is still in the kitchen, and it is only when it is done, that would be served accordingly. Nigerians must not scramble for it,” he said.
He charged politicians to be fair in the discharge of their duties and fulfill their campaign promises to the masses.
“I appeal to politicians to fulfill their promises and remember the poor. There is hunger in the land, the palliatives should start coming,” he said.
Also, the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Ali Okunmade II, described June 12, as an important day to Nigeria.
The monach, who was represented by Maye Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oloye Lekan Alabi, called on Tinubu to restore the dignity of Nigerians that the colonialists have taken away, by taking all criticism equally and ensure that all appointments are made on merit.
According to Olubadan, Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and MKO Abiola stood for merit and desired that no Nigerian should stand against it.
“The incumbent should operate based on the Constitution of Nigeria. Two, they should take all citizens as equal. Three, all appointments should be based on merit. And I have quoted the 1952 book of Adegoke Adelabu, ‘Africa in Revolution’, because I am the President of Adegoke Adelabu Foundation,” Alabi said.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the sons of the late MKO and late Kudirat Abiola, Alhaji Olalekan Yushau Abiola, expressed happiness that democracy has prevailed in Nigeria for more than 20 years, saluting Tinubu for his ongoing appointments and concept of work to make democracy thrive in Nigeria.
Also, the National Coordinator of Coalition for a Better Nigeria, a coalition of pro-democracy groups, Comrade Awa Bamiji said, the event round off the eight months activities to honour Abiola, families and victims of June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged as the freest and fairest election, in the history of Nigeria, which was annulled by former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.
He congratulated Nigerians on the February 25, 2023 presidential election, saying Nigeria now has renewed hope to end the bad story of 30 years ago.
Some of te dignitaries at the event include Afenifere Leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti; Engr. Dr. Olukayode Joseph; Olubadan’s daughter, Dr. Olayinka Mogaji; , Comrade Abiodun Mustapha, Comrade Akin Orisagbemi; Mr Donatus Awatokwu, Initiator of MKO Abiola N2000 Currency; Comrade Adekunle Janodu, Oloye Victor Adegboyega Adeniji, who represented Comrade Olawale Okunniyi.
Others are Mrs. Salewa Lawal, Kazeem Abdulraheem, Tajudeen Makinde, Umaru Abubakar, members of the Civil Society Orgamisations among others.
