Professor Humphrey Nwosu, the chairman of the National Electoral Commission of Nigeria, NECON, that conducted the June 12, 1993 presidential election will be conspicuously absent at the June 12 anniversary as Democracy Day on Tuesday.
The day will also mark the honouring of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, with the highest award in the land, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, GCFR.
Also to be honoured with the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON, are the running mate of Abiola during the election, Babagana Kingibe, and foremost human rights activist and lawyer, Chief Gani Fawehinmi.
In a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, following his invitation, Nwosu said he was out of the country and could not make the occasion.
His words: “Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond my control I will not be present at the investiture ceremony as I am outside the country.”
He was, however, full of praises for the federal government over the decision to declare June 12 as Democracy Day and honour Abiola and others.
Read also: June 12: Buhari’s political masterstroke
He described June 12, 1993 as a turning point in Nigeria’s tortuous journey towards a democratic polity.
He said the declaration was also an honour for the staff of the electoral body at the time.
Nwosu expressed hope that the June 12 event would rekindle the national consciousness of all Nigerians for a better nation.
The letter reads:
“I thank his excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government of Nigeria for recognizing June 12 as Democracy Day and also honouring the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola,” the letter read.
“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 actualize 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.”
