Obasa said June 12 should become the new Democracy Day. He said, “The nation needs to recognise the heroes and heroines who sacrificed their lives for the present democracy to emerge, particularly the winner of that election, the late Chief MKO Abiola, and his wife, late Kudirat Abiola. They paid the supreme price for us to enjoy this particular democracy. Hence, they deserve to be honoured by the Federal Government. This is why I am in support of those calling to make June 12 our democracy day. “It was a historic election which was adjudged the freest, fairest and most peaceful election not only in Nigeria, but also on the continent of Africa. It was the ultimate triumph of the people’s will over brutal force.” Akeredolu, in his statement released by the Aketi Media Group to mark the 23rd anniversary of June 12, said honouring Abiola was in agreement with the national anthem that the labour of our heroes should not be in vain. He commended Nigerians for consolidating on the enthronement of democracy by voting into power progressive governments at the federal level and in many states of the federation during the 2015 General Elections. He said, “I want to plead with President Muhammadu Buhari to use his good offices to honour MKO Abiola and others who contributed in no small measure to the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria. Such gesture would give birth to a new generation of Nigerians. “As Nigerians commemorate this great milestone in our country, we must continue to hold our leaders accountable and ensure zero tolerance for impunity and subversion of the popular will of the people. No society thrives in an atmosphere of arbitrariness. “We must defend the ideals of democracy and put the interest of the people far above personal, egocentric and hegemonic desires of a privileged few.”]]>