During the commemoration of 25 years of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, Mrs. Tinu Abiola, the wife of the late Chief MKO Abiola, has called on the National Assembly to enact legislation prohibiting military intervention in Nigerian politics.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, Mrs. Abiola emphasized the importance of maintaining the country’s democratic gains.
She commended the military for adhering to democratic principles over the years but stressed the need for legal safeguards against potential coups.
“Part of what I want the National Assembly to do is to enact the necessary law; especially a law that will prohibit coup d’état in Nigeria; it is very important,” she said.
Reflecting on the significance of June 12, Mrs. Abiola acknowledged the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to move Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 to honor her late husband.
MKO Abiola was the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, an event that played a crucial role in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“We have to thank God that democracy has come to stay; without the June 12 event, probably, military rule will still have remained in Nigeria,” she remarked.
“One of the major achievements of MKO Abiola, winning that election, even though he was not allowed to rule, was that he opened the door; he opened the eyes of every Nigerian to democratic rule, and democracy has come to stay.”
Mrs. Abiola urged Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu, recognizing his significant contributions to the country’s democratic process.
“We should cooperate with the present government of Tinubu, who himself, fought for June 12.
He was a staunch member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and he did his best for the actualisation of June 12.”
Expressing her joy at seeing Tinubu as president, she stated, “My happiness today is to see one of those fighters of that time becoming the president of Nigeria; it is so great.”
Mrs. Abiola also called on Nigerians to be patriotic and to always act in ways that promote the nation’s image globally.
She emphasized the crucial role of the National Assembly in preserving democracy.
“We have had an unbroken democracy for 25 years, but it is not enough; until a law is enacted prohibiting military intervention,” she insisted.
She praised the military for their conduct since 1999, saying, “Between 1999 and today, they have been wonderful; they have done well.
They have submitted themselves to democratic rule, but we cannot rely on the fact that it will continue to be rosy; there must be a law, and that will put everybody’s mind at peace.”
In closing, Mrs. Abiola advised the Federal Government to incorporate aspects of MKO Abiola’s manifesto into its programmes, underscoring the lasting relevance of his vision for Nigeria.
