Group holds national rally in honour of MKO Abiola, other heroes of democracy
An eminent group of leaders of thought in Nigeria, The Patriots, in collaboration with the June 12 Pro Democracy Movement of Nigeria, has concluded plans to host a national democracy rally for a people’s constitution in Nigeria under the theme: “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a Democratic People’s Constitution”.
The rally is to commemorate the 2024 annual Democracy Day Anniversary.
According to a statement issued on Sunday in Lagos, Prof Anthony Kila, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, for the June 12 Democracy Day Anniversary Celebration, said the National Democracy Day Rendezvous, would hold at the Conference & Exhibition Centre of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), in Alausa Ikeja, Lagos at 10am on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
He said that the event which would be chaired by former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations and Chairman of the Patriots, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, would receive a special state address from the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu at the national rally.
He also said that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is expected to give Goodwill messages to Nigerians.
The residential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Mr Peter Obi, presidential candidate of NNPP,, Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso among others. , Former President of the NBA Dr Olisa Agbakoba SAN, former Chairman of INEC Prof Attahiru Jega and Senator Shehu Sanni were also expected to lead the anniversary conversation on securing the future of Nigeria through a democratic constitution reform process.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and former Military Governor of Kaduna State and June 12 activist, Col Umar Dangiwa, are also billed to pioneer broad interventions on the anniversary theme tagged “Securing the Future of Nigeria through a democratic People’s Constitution”.
Leading pro democracy stakeholders and activists in the country, who are invited to x-ray and discuss the key note submissions at the event are Prof. Pat Utomi, Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Amb (Hon) Nkoyo Toyo, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, Otunba Dele Momodu, Hajia (Dr) Bilikisu Magoro, Ann Kio Briggs.
Special Interventions and remarks are to be provided at the national colloquium by notable leaders of thought and political leaders, including General Alabi Akinriade, General Ike Nwachukwu, Elder Solomon Asemota, SAN, Dr Kalu Idika Kalu, Obong Victor Attah, Prof. Anya O Anya, Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi, Mr Donald Duke, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Ben Obi and Prof Mike Ozekhome, SAN.
Others expected to address the rally are the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, Prof Okey Ikechukwu, the National Youth Leader of the 3rd Force, Abayomi Rotimi Mighty, Obongawan Barbara Etim-James, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye and Veteran Olawale Okunniyi (Veteran Che), General Secretary of The Patriots.
A roll call of Honours for nominated Heroes and Heroines of the present democratic rule in Nigeria would also be undertaken by the conveners at the historic event.
The statement added that this year’s anniversary celebration, as scheduled by the LOC, would be rounded off with a colourful motorcade procession from the venue of the rally to the residence of the martyr of the current Nigeria’s Democracy, Chief MKO Abiola in Ikeja Lagos.
The statement also said that prayers for the repose of the souls of departed heroes and heroines of democracy and tributes, as well as the laying of the annual wreath of honour in their memories, would be jointly carried out with members of the MKO Abiola family.
