Tinubu Honours Abiola As FG Premieres MKO Documentary On June 12 Struggle In Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday attended the national premiere of *MKO*, a feature-length documentary on the life and legacy of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
The screening held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Iganmu, Lagos, was part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The documentary, produced by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, chronicles the life, political struggle and enduring legacy of Chief Abiola and the historic June 12 pro-democracy struggle. It recounts the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The premiere attracted top government dignitaries including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Plateau State Caleb Mutfwang, and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.
Also in attendance were Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation Engr Joseph Utsev, members of the National Assembly, former Governor of Ogun State Chief Olusegun Osoba, and other distinguished personalities.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, who welcomed guests, said the documentary chronicles the events leading to the June 12, 1993 election, its annulment, Abiola’s arrest in 1994 after declaring his mandate, and his death in detention in 1998.
“This documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, the men and women who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993 and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today,” Musawa said.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to Nigerians who lost their lives or suffered persecution, detention and exile during the struggle for democracy.
Leading the gathering to observe a minute silence for fallen heroes, Onanuga listed Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Chief Bola Ige, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, and Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, among others.
“We remember the countless unnamed Nigerians who filled the streets, endured hardship and stood firm in defence of the mandate freely given on June 12, 1993. Many paid the supreme price,” Onanuga said.
He added: “The democracy we enjoy today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of the people we have identified. We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them a duty to ensure that no authority ever again overturns the freely expressed will of Nigerians.”
Onanuga commended the producers of MKO for documenting an important chapter in Nigeria’s political history and making it accessible to a new generation of Nigerians.
The documentary producer, Mr Oyamendan, lauded President Tinubu for his tenacity, courage and conviction on the principles of democracy, recalling interviewing him as a Senator in 1992.
According to the Presidency, President Tinubu’s attendance underscores the importance his administration attaches to preserving Nigeria’s democratic history and honouring the men and women whose courage paved the way for 27 years of unbroken democracy since 1999.
The film is expected to help preserve Nigeria’s political history and offer younger Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped the country’s democratic journey.
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