June 12: Enemies of democracy are still around but we will defend democracy – Gov Fashola
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on Thursday condemned the recent attack on Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State by policemen describing the act against the governor as an ugly incident by enemies of democracy. The governor bared his mind on the incident shortly before he commissioned a garden park dedicated to former Military […]
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola on Thursday condemned the recent attack on Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State by policemen describing the act against the governor as an ugly incident by enemies of democracy.
The governor bared his mind on the incident shortly before he commissioned a garden park dedicated to former Military Governor of Lagos State,Rear Ndubusi Kanu (rtd), Ikeja.
Governor Fashola said: “Enemies of democracy are still around. On our side, we will stand up to defend democracy. All political office holders should stand up to be counted for democracy. If people like MKO Abiola and all members of NADECO didn’t stand up, none of us will be in office today. ”
On why Admiral Kanu was honoured by the state, Fashola explained that the retired Naval Officer has remained steadfast and consistent in his support of June 12 struggle since 21 years ago and till today.
In his response to the honour, Admiral Kanu said he least expect the gesture of Lagos state government. “I’m on my way to the June 12 celebration when I was commandeer to come to this place. I am overwhelmed,” he said and dedicated the honour to all members of NADECO who are dead and the living.
Speaking on June 12, Admiral Kanu noted that NADECO members have put a lot for democracy to stay in Nigeria adding that the journey is not yet over for the struggle.
“The journey is not yet over. We still need to pursue objectives of June 12, 1993. Twenty-one years does not mean we should close our eyes and say nothing to worry about anymore,” he said.
Meanwhile, thousands of workers in Lagos State yesterday stayed indoor to mark the 21st anniversary of June 12, 1993 aborted election won by late Chief MKO Abiola as it started to rain heavily across the state as early as 6am.
On Wednesday, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola approved that Thursday, 12th June, 2014 be observed as a work free day in the state to commemorate the aborted election.
The governor enjoined all workers in the state to attend events organised by various government agencies and groups to commemorate the day but the rain deprived majority of the state workers to come out as directed by the governor.