Why I Won’t Attend Abiola’s GCFR Investiture, Says Prof Who Conducted June 12 Election

The professor who conducted the June 12, 1993, presidential election where late Mko Abiola emerged victoriously has said he won’t be attending the Federal Government’s investiture of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GEFR) on the late politician.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, had invited Professor Humphrey Nwosu and other key players in the annulled election to witness the national honours set to be conferred on Abiola alongside his running mate Babagana Kingibe and late human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.

But responding to the invitation, Nwosu, in a letter addressed to the SGF, said he will not be able to attend the ceremony as he is away from the country.

“I thank His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for recognising June 12 as Democracy Day and also (for) honouring the winner of June 12, 1993, presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

“Indeed, June 12, 1993 marked a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity.

“It is an honour to the very hard-working men and women of the defunct National Electoral Commission under my leadership at this long-awaited recognition. I humbly commend this action by the President.

“Undoubtedly, the democratic system of governance is the best, especially for the multi-ethnic nation like ours. I thank you for building on the foundation which my team and I laboured strenuously to establish and actualise on June 12, 1993.

“It is our hope that expanding the frontiers of democracy, of which all the people of Nigeria, regardless of ethnic group, will provide economic, social and developmental benefits that will certainly make Nigeria a great nation not only in Africa but across the world.

“Certainly, the scheduled event on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 will rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.

“Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control, I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!,” the professor said in the letter dated June 1o.