Tinubu Honours MKO Abiola And June 12 Heroes At Premiere Of New Documentary
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary chronicling the life and political struggle of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts as part of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary activities. The screening highlighted the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment and the subsequent pro democracy struggle that helped shape Nigeria’s democratic journey, drawing senior government officials and dignitaries to the event. Among those present were Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to Nigerians who sacrificed for the restoration of democratic rule, leading participants in a minute’s silence in honour of those who lost their lives during the struggle. Onanuga said the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were secured through the courage of pro democracy activists, journalists, lawyers, students and ordinary citizens who resisted authoritarian rule and defended democratic values. Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, described the documentary as a tribute to the heroes of June 12, noting that it documents key moments including Abiola’s arrest and his death in detention in 1998. She stressed the importance of preserving the stories behind one of Nigeria’s most significant democratic milestones, noting that future generations must understand the sacrifices that secured today’s democratic freedoms. Producer of the documentary, Ose Oyamendan, commended President Tinubu for his commitment to democratic ideals, saying the film was designed to preserve an important chapter of Nigeria’s political history for younger generations. The President’s presence at the premiere underscored his administration’s commitment to preserving Nigeria’s democratic heritage and honouring those who contributed to the country’s return to civilian rule. By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
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