By Just In: Buhari Awards Late MKO Abiola With GCFR, As Kingibe And Fawehinmi Bags GCON
President Muhammadu Buhari moments ago announced the awarding of the highest award in Federal Republic of Nigeria, the title of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (GCFR) to late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Popularly referred to MKO Abiola, the late businessman cum politician became a national figure in the country after he contested during the June 12th,1993 Presidential election and recorded a landslide victory in an exercise that have been adjudged the fairest election in the history of Nigeria.
It will be recalled that the nullification of the election by the then Military regime denied the late Abiola from assuming office as President of the country after he won at the polls. The Abeokuta born philanthropist was then jailed for illegally declaring himself as the President. He was however assassinated on July 7th, 1998 while he was still in detention.
Also, President Buhari awarded the running mate of late Chief Abiola, in the person of Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe the title of Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR), for being the Vice Presidential candidate during the 1993 General Elections. The titles of GCFR and GCON are usually awarded to Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as with latest award by the present administration, it means it has now recognised the late Abiola as election winner, a development that many have been yearning for.
In the press release signed by the President to announce the award of titles, fighter of Human Rights and front runner of the actualisation of June 12, late Chief Gani Fawehinmi SAN, was also posthumously awarded with the title of GCFR, for his tireless struggle for Democracy.
18 years after, incumbent President Buhari has declared June 12 as a Democracy Day and henceforth a National Public Holiday to replace the May 29th. The commemoration and investiture is set to take place on Tuesday, June 12th, 2018.
