GRPolitics
June 12: 6 demands by Abiola’s family
The family of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the recently honoured winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, has made a six-point demand in order to fully appreciate the Federal Government’s gestures pronounced on Wednesday by President Buhari in honour of the late businessman and politician.
Speaking yesterday at a press briefing organised by the June 12 Movement of Nigeria, Abdul Abiola, one of the children of late Kudirat Abiola said though the family appreciates the honour bestowed upon their slain breadwinner of the family, the federal government has to go a step further to show that the gesture is not just a ruse used by the present administration to score a cheap political point.
“I was very elated when President Buhari awarded our late father with the highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) as well as declaring June 12 the official democracy day for the country. But it does not end there. June 12 is a struggle, it is not only about MKO Abiola, it is about all lovers of true democracy. It is about all those who lost their lives in the struggle – men, women and children.
Since the government has now come out to openly accept the fact that our father was the winner of that election but was killed during the process of getting his mandate after the annulment by the same federal government, we demand that full compensation should be paid to our late father as president-elect.
The family has gone through undue hardship since our father died mysteriously while in incarceration.
If not for the fact that our stepmother, Mrs Adebisi Abiola has struggled for the past 25 years to keep the family together, it would have been a different story altogether,” narrated Abdul.
In a statement earlier read at the press briefing by June 12 Movement of Nigeria signed by Comrade Olawale Okunniyi (convener) and Professor Anthony Kila(chairman, planning committee), the Abiolas also demand that the sprawling residential quarters of the late MKO Abiola be converted to Democracy Center for Africa in conjunction with Kudirat Initiative for Nigeria’s Democracy (KIND).
The Center, said the statement, would host visiting African leaders as well as activities to mark the now officially declared June 12 Democracy Day annually.
Other demands are that the federal government should, before Tuesday next week, being June 12, officially pronounce MKO Abiola as Nigeria’s elected president who never ruled, and accord him all the honours and privileges accrued to the office posthumously.
Another demand is that the federal government should, through the Ministry of Education, include June 12, and all that trailed it, as part of the school curriculum in the country.
This, they said, will afford the generation yet unborn to have knowledge of the emergence of true democracy in the country, which June 12 stands for.
Other demands jointly presented by the family and the June 12 Movement are the gazetting of the federal government’s declaration of June 12 as the new official Democracy Day in the country as well as the national honour of GCFR bestowed upon Abiola, and the immediate setting up of a process towards restructuring of the country, a philosophy which the late politician believed in and fought for before his demise.
In attendance at the press briefing were some politicians, opinion leaders and activists including Dr. Shina Fagbenro Byron – presidential aspirant KOWA party, Chief Rachael Oniga – a popular actor and member Nigerian Intervention Movement (NIM), Professor Anthony Kila, Alhaji Yerima Shettima – president Arewa Youth Forum(AYCF) Ebere Daniel, Actor Foluke Daramola Salako of the Change Agent of Nigeria, Owonifari Rasheed of KIND, and many others.
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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