June 12: House Directs FG to Confer Highest Honour on Abiola

The House of Representatives yesterday passed a resolution directing the federal government to confer the highest national honour on the late presumed winer of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashiwawo Olawale Abiola posthumously as a measure of recognition for his unprecedented achievements, contributions and sacrifice to the unity, peace, progress and development of the country, Africa and the world at large.

In a motion sponsored by Hon. Muhammed Sani Zoro (Jigawa, APC), the House further mandated the Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure enforcement of the resolution and report back to the House within three weeks.

The House had acknowledged with nostalgia, the vacuum created by the death of Abiola on July 8, 1988, particularly in the areas of philanthropy, sports, publishing, corporate leadership, national and global politics among others.

The lower chamber was sad that despite the uncommon qualities of Abiola, capped by his victory at the presidential elections of June 12, 1993 but which was denied him by retrogressive forces in conspiracy with agents of destabilisation, the Nigerian authorities had never at any given time conferred a national honour on him in lifetime or death.

It added that instead, many Nigerians and non-Nigerians of dubious value have continued to be decorated with national honours- year in, year out.

The House further described Abiola as a true and great son of Nigeria, touched lives more than any other person in his life time.