Senate calls for release of June 12 election result

The Senate, yesterday, passed a unanimous resolution urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce the result of the June 12, 1993 election.

The resolution followed President Muhammadu Buhari’s declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day. He also invested late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola posthumously with the nation’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

The election was conducted by National Electoral Commission years ago under the supervision Humphrey Nwosu.

Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) slugged it out at the presidential election with Alhaji Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC).

The Senate also passed a resolution requesting for the payment of certain entitlements to the family of late MKO and to Babagana Kingibe. It requested that Kingibe be declared as vicepresident the defunct (NEC) 25 of Professor elect.

It further passed a resolution supporting the declaration of June 12 as Democracy Day but that May 29 should remain the date for inauguration of elected office holders in the country.

Deputy Minority Chief Whip of the Senate, Biodun Olujimi (PDP, Ekiti) while moving the motion commended President Buhari for recognising MKO and declaring June 12 as Democracy Day.

“Going forward, there are other issues to be addressed. The result of June 12 should be declared by INEC,” she said.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia) apparently referring to President Buhari suggested for the declaration of December 31st as Democracy Disruption Day (DDD).

“Because that was the day, the same person that declared June 12 as Democracy Day, disrupted democracy,” he said.

Senator Jibrin Barau (APC, Kano) faulted Abaribe’s proposal, saying he should be ruled out of order as his contribution was out of context.

In his remark, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said the declaration and recognition of MKO was long overdue.

“The good intention of the declaration is what we should look at, let us forget about the imperfections,” he said.