Nigerians have poured encomiums on the late Moshood Abiola and Gani Fanwehimi as both were awarded the national honours of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) respectively, on Tuesday, at the State House, Abuja.
Also honoured with a GCON at the event was Babagana Kingibe, who was the vice presidential candidate in the June 12, 1993 general election, generally believed to have been won by Abiola’s Social Democratic Party.
Many who reacted to the development commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the historic recognition, while a few said the move was a political one, aimed at winning more voted from the South West region of the country.
Here are some of the reactions on twitter:
My respect and appreciation to Moshood Abiola and all those who fought the tyranny of the military on June 12th, 1993. When we focus on what unites us and eschew what divides us, when we refuse to back down, we can achieve great things, no matter how daunting the constraints are.
— Dr. Joe Abah (@DrJoeAbah) June 12, 2018
This is a great day for democracy in Nigeria and honour well deserved.
Abiola’s place in history as the hero of Nigeria’s democracy is sealed today, Thank you to PMB for correcting history
Indeed, Justice can only be delayed, it can’t be denied forever. pic.twitter.com/rwhnRmnNlZ
— MURTALA ???????? (@MurtalaIbin) June 12, 2018
Happy #DemocracyDay Nigeria. A preacher once argued; just as biblical David honoured Saul in death, the martyr of ????????democracy, M.K.O. Abiola must be honoured for us to enjoy full dividends of #democracy. Thanks President @MBuhari for liberating our democracy. Congrats Nigerians pic.twitter.com/JOYq1wm4ct
— Dr. Obinna Ebirim (@ebirimobinna) June 12, 2018
If there is anybody to decorate #June12 the #DemocracyDay, that person is PMB. His mandate was stolen 3 times. He knows what it is to have what is yours taken away from you. RIP MKO Abiola. You have now taken your place as the greatest 2nd Generation Yoruba Leader. pic.twitter.com/3l18s6nPqm
— Mu’awiyyah Yusuf Muye (@MP_Muye) June 12, 2018
i must confess. I love my President. A sincere show of emotions and the apology to the family of MKO Abiola wow-that was classic. Abuse me if you want, but I truly admire my President, Muhammadu Buhari
— Iyabo Arinola Awokoya (@iyaboawokoya) June 12, 2018
Democracy Day solidarity walk ongoing at the state of Osun capital as pro democracy activities gathsrs to celebrate our hero of democracy late MKO Abiola GCFR. pic.twitter.com/Ts0OuGdMVr
— ADABANIJA✌ (@AdabanijaQomaru) June 12, 2018
Check history. The president and former President Abiola had a very poor relationship for obvious reasons. Yet Mr President acted in good faith. Did the right thing. And even apologized to the family. That’s greatness.
— Olukayode bakre (@kayodebakre8) June 12, 2018
This is a great day for democracy in Nigeria and honour well deserved.
Abiola’s place in history as the hero of Nigeria’s democracy is sealed today, Thank you to PMB for correcting history
Indeed, Justice can only be delayed, it can’t be denied forever. pic.twitter.com/rwhnRmnNlZ
— MURTALA ???????? (@MurtalaIbin) June 12, 2018