Nigerians Express Gratitude As Gov. Ambode Unveil Giant Statue of Abiola in Lagos

Nigerians Express Gratitude As Gov. Ambode Unveil Giant Statue of Abiola in Lagos

To mark this year’s Democracy day, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, on Tuesday, unveiled a 46-feet statue of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola (MKO).

The unveiling came on the same day the late Abiola was being conferred with the highest honour in the land, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) at a ceremony in Aso Rock, Abuja.

Speaking at the ceremony at the MKO Abiola Garden in Alapere, Ketu, Governor Ambode, said it the late politician deserves the best from the State as Lagos was his success story.

“We are very happy to gather here today at the MKO Abiola garden to unveil this statue, a monument that will forever crystallize his legacy, serves as a reminder to the greatness that Chief Abiola represents in our socio-political landscape,”the governor said.

M.K.O Abiola’s statue unveiled today! pic.twitter.com/5fCO0LFlvu

— Laila Ijeoma (@LailaIjeoma) June 12, 2018

Gov. Ambode described MKO Abiola as a man who transcended race, tribe and religion, adding that the late philanthropist appealed to all Nigerians who voted massively for him during the 1993 Presidential election.

“Sadly, he lost his life trying to secure his mandate. Even though he was from another State, Lagos was his home. And we recognize his contribution to our State and our democracy.”

Abiola’s son, Abdul Mumuni Abiola thanked Governor Ambode and the Lagos State Government for the honour done the Abiola family, saying the statue was indeed befitting to honour his late father.

And many Nigerians took to social media to express gratitude and optimism for the country’s democracy over the statue.

this is epitone of good governance.

— Ayo bakare (@Oduye93Ayo) June 12, 2018

Thanks @AkinwunmiAmbode, can the monument be upgraded into a museum and centre for sociopolitical research to unite Nigerians in saying "Never Again"? And to integrate the centre into domestic and international tourism for its sustainability.

— David Kieghe (@dkieghe) June 12, 2018

I love this. Kudos

— Prince Adebayor(ACA) (@citadel4u) June 12, 2018

No doubt MKO desires honours.
But why r we building status here and there, will statue solve Nigeria current situation n y do d govt care about status more than d living himself.#ThisIsNigeria #EndSars

— CLEVI ANOSIKE (@HiphopClevi) June 12, 2018

MKO sleep on ,d original martyr of our democracy…..

— Mobola adedapo fash (@mobola_fash) June 12, 2018

Great and historic guesture to a great and historic man!

— Kayode Steve Adaramoye (@KAdaramoye) June 13, 2018

@ImoGovernor come and see the real statue here! The symbol of democracy.

— Emeystan (@Emeystan) June 12, 2018

This is good things

— Aigbe dennis (@dennis_aigbe) June 12, 2018

Historic moment, thank God I was there.

— Gbenga Olajide (@golajide) June 12, 2018

Thank you Mr. Lagos. Keep up the good works. AA is Working, Lagos is moving forward

— George Olaniyi Ayorinde (@Geo_niggy_show) June 12, 2018