Activists Want Federal Govt To Immortalise Kudirat Abiola

Pro-democracy civil organisations on Tuesday urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola who was killed 23 years ago.
She died in the struggle to actualise the June 12, 1993 election won by her husband, Chief Moshood Abiola.
The election was annulled by General Ibrahim Babangida.
The activists, who gathered at the Ikeja home of Chief Abiola to lay a wreath and offer prayer to the fallen amazon, demanded a speedy conclusion of the case of those standing trial for the murder of Kudirat.

Chairman of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu said Kudirat Abiola sacrificed her life to make Nigeria better.
He urged Nigerians not to allow the sacrifice by Abiola to be in vain, calling on all lovers of freedom and democracy to live by the ideas she died for.
The NADECO chieftain said: “The most important thing now is to keep her ideas alive.
“We call on the relevant authorities to ensure poverty is banished, security must be provided and others.
“Kudirat virtue has been extolled on many occasions, but I must say there was June 12 before June 4. Again June 4 came about because of June 12. We must not allow her to die in vain.”

Rights activist Femi Aborishade said the government must end poverty to make the honour bestowed on M.K.O Abiola realistic.
He said government pronouncement on June 12 as democracy day fell short of expectations when the people have nothing to eat or shelter over their heads.
“I know of certainty that the poor are united in this country but the power that or the politicians have been working hard to keep us divided.

“They killed Kudirat because they believed she would preserve the unity of the downtrodden.
“They killed her because they don’t want her to provide the example for others to learn from, that you can actually confront them and demand for your rights.”

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President of Women Arise, Dr Joe Odumakin said the government should immortalise Kudirat by naming a national monument after her.
She added the slain activist should be recognised as official First Lady, noting all insignia of office be given her posthumously.
According to her: “Kudirat Abiola died for humanity and to banish poverty. Her record in promoting democracy is unparalleled.”
Responding, Alhaji Jamiu Abiola, appreciated the efforts of the pro-democracy group to keep the memory of Kudirat Abiola alive.
He said: “We see the pro-democracy groups as part of the Abiola family. Most of you have committed cash and kind to the struggle, just to keep the memory alive. This to us is the greater sacrifice.
“By this act, we call on everyone to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption.
“He cannot singlehandedly win the fight if other people stay aloof. We urge government official and members of the National Assembly to join had to deal with this monster.

“This is the major reason people have continued to wallow in poverty.”