We’ll stand up to defend democracy –Fashola
Lagos State Governor Mr. Babatunde Fashola yesterday condemned the recent attack on Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State by policemen, describing it as an act by enemies of democracy.
The governor spoke shortly before commissioning a garden dedicated to a former military governor of Lagos State, retired Rear Admiral Ndubusi Kanu in Ikeja.
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 would be in office today. ”
On why Admiral Kanu was honoured by the state, Fashola said the retired naval officer had remained steadfast and consistent in his support for the June 12 struggle since it began.
In his response, Admiral Kanu said he least expected the gesture from the Lagos State government.
“I was on my way to the June 12 anniversary when I was commandeered to come to this place. I am overwhelmed,” he said and dedicated the honour to all members of NADECO, dead or alive.
Speaking on June 12, Kanu noted that NADECO members had put in a lot for democracy to stay in Nigeria, adding that the journey is not yet over.
“The journey is not yet over. We still need to pursue the objectives of June 12, 1993. 21 years does not mean we should close our eyes and say nothing to worry about anymore,” he said.
Thousands of workers in Lagos yesterday stayed indoors to mark the 21st anniversary of the June 12, 1993 annulment of the presidential election won by late Chief MKO Abiola as it started raining heavily across the state from 6am. On Wednesday, Governor Fashola approved that Thursday be observed as a work-free day to commemorate the 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 workers the opportunity to participate in such events.