The Social Democratic Party(SDP) on Wednesday, 19th June celebrated the successful achievement of June 12 struggle, as the party doubles effort to relaunch.
According to the SDP National Secretary, Alhaji Shehu Gabam as part of activities of the party to commemorate the 26 anniversary of June 12, tagged the freest and fairest election in the annals of Nigeria, he said June 12 is what the party stands for, saying it is an affirmation of the great ideals, principles and core values for which the SDP espouse.
In a statement made available to journalists by the SDP Director of Media and Publicity, Hon. Yemi Akinbode on Wednesday in Abuja, the National Secretary, continued, saying, ” History has been made in Nigeria with the crafting into the Nigeria law of the bill which affirms June 12 as Nigeria Democracy Day. You will agree with me that after 26 years of long struggle and agitation, the government and people of Nigeria have agreed with us that June 12 is historic and a water-shed in the political history of our nation. The passing into law of June 12 bill and the celebration of the day as Nigeria Democracy Day is a sign that June 12 is a symbol of our democracy and unity.”
“To us in the SDP, this event signifies the relaunch of our great party, the SDP as the platform that is divinely designed by Allah, to deliver the much-needed Political freedom and emancipation of the common man from the shackles of repression and injustice.”
“The institutionalization of the June 12 as Nigeria national Democracy Day has been described as a testimony to the exhaulted principles of perseverance, social justice and dedication to
nation-building for which Social Democratic Party(SDP) stands for. The proclamation and celebration of June 12 was also affirmed as good sign and omen for the rebirth of the SDP as a platform for the reorganization and repositioning of Nigeria.”
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“I would like to call on Nigerians, particularly our leaders and stakeholders to use the June 12 celebration as an opportunity to close ranks, unite and build a strong partnership for the prosperity and greatness of our nation. Chief Abiola and many other fallen heroes who laid down their lives for justice and progress of Nigeria must not be allowed to die in vain. Let us be United by our common heritage and history; to promote those ideals and principles for which our heroes past laid down their lives.”
Gabam also commended President Mohammodu Buhari for rising up to the occasion by enacting the Nigeria Democracy Day bill which legitimize and affirm June 12 as a National Day in reference to the struggle and spirit of the Marytal of June 12, Chief MKO Abiola and other Nigerians who lay down their lives for us to enjoy the liberty and freedom that we relish today.
“We want to thank the President for given us this day to relish and remember the heroes and Marytals of democracy in Nigeria.”
“We also want to use this opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions those heroes and heroines some of whom have passed away, who contributed immensely to the June 12 struggle, and made sure that democracy is restored in Nigeria.”
“We recognise the Abiola family, especially late Mrs. Kudirat Abiola who laid down her life in the struggle for our freedom, and his political associates who have remained steadfast, all through the years to make this day a reality.”
“The June 12 Struggle cannot be complete without reference to a few of the great men, who despite the imminent threat and danger to their lives fought the military to a standstill for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria.”
“Today we remember those of them who have passed on to glory, we also salute and celebrate those who are alive. Special recognition goes to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, Pa. Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Ayo Opadokun, Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Frank Kokori, Olisa Agbakoba, Alhaji Sule Lamido, Alhaji Babagana kingibe, Chief Olu Falae, GCON, Alhaji Kashim Imam Dr. Arthur Nwankwo, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu. “
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“In loving memory of the dead, we celebrate the following members of the struggle who have passed away; Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, Alhaji Shehu Musa Y’Ardua, Pascal Bafyau, Pa. Ajayi Laniun, Sen. Abraham Adesanya, Pa. Adekunle Ajasin, Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi(SAN), Dr. Beko Ransome-Kuti, amongst others. There were many students union leaders, social activists and Civil Society Organizations.”
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to align with SDP and its leadership to ensure the ethos and ideals of social justice, equity, patriotism, rule of law and freedom prevails in Nigeria.
“Let us remember that democracy, peace and progress can only be achieved in a nation where justice, equity, social justice and rule of law flourish. Therefore, it is instructive that we all apply ourselves to these great principles and values, if we want to achieve the much-needed progress and development.”
