Hon. Abiante Lauds Tinubu For Honouring Ken Saro-Wiwa, Nwosu, Others
By Raphael Ekpang
A member of the House of Representatives, representing Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro Federal constituency (PDP), Rivers State in the 10th House, honorable Awaji-Inombek Abiante, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Posthumous awards granted to the foremost environmentalist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, the then National Electoral Commission (NEC) chairman, Professor Humphrey Nwosu and many others who were instrumental to the democracy we now enjoyed (June 12 heroes), and those who fought for the emancipation of their regions.
Abiante who spoke to newsmen in an interview on Thursday, June 12, shortly after President Bola Tinubu Joint sitting with members of the Senate and House of Representatives to celebrate Democracy Day, opined that June 12th lies not just in the date itself, but in the historic election they elected a man M.K.O Abiola who was able to defy all odds, winning even his opponent in his own state.
He maintained that conferring posthumous national honors to individuals who have made sacrifices for the country by President Tinubu is crucial. Adding that the national honors is also an encouragement to those who work hard and make sacrifices for the greater good.
The Rivers State born federal lawmaker insisted that the honor also granted to Ken Saro-Wiwa is a welcome development, adding that the legacy as a champion of his people’s rights has been vindicated, and the recognition would hopefully pave the way for others who are fighting for justice and equality.
He said, “Oh, it’s an encouragement to those who work hard, to those who make sacrifices for the country, Nigeria.
“Because should he not have been so recognized, it could dampen the enthusiasm of several others who would have loved to live their life, work their hearts out like he did.
“So it’s a form of encouragement. Also, the honor granted to Ken Saro Wiwa is also a welcome development because he stood fighting for his people until that fateful day when he had to go the way he went.
“And there have been several clamors for the government of Nigeria to take off that tag, that identity, that ex-convict. And I do not think that a country like Nigeria would honor an ex-convict.
“Having been so honored, that tag has been taken off him. So he cannot be properly celebrated and probably greater honors conferred on him.
“And that would also be a way to advance the cause of others who want to stand in defending the desires, hopes, and aspirations of their people” Abiante narrated.
Abiante challenged all political leaders across the country to strive to emulate June 12 election widely regarded as one of the fairest in Nigeria’s history in the spirit of democracy, affirming that up to date, there is no election that has been declared that has been better than that conducted on the 12th of June 1993, saying that date is significant.
“Why Nigerians are so fixated with the date, June 12th, was because something fantastic happened.
“They went to the polls, they elected a man who was able to defy all odds, winning even his opponent in his own state. That is why Nigerians are so fixated with the date, June 12th. And up to date, I think there is no election that has been declared that has been better than that conducted on the 12th of June 1993. So that date is significant. It’s not about what we preach, it should be about the content of what we say. So, for us, well. It is a work in progress” he said.
