The House of Representatives at its plenary on Tuesday, 13 June 2017 called on the Federal Government to confer a posthumous national honor to the late chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola in recognition of his unprecedented achievement, contribution and sacrifice to the unity, peace, progress and development of Nigeria, the African continent and the World.

Moving the motion under matters of urgent public importance, Hon. Muhammed Sani Zorro (APC:Jigawa) expressed nostalgia over the vacuum created in different spheres such as philanthropy, sport, publishing, corporate leadership, national and global politics, since the demise of MKO Abiola on 8 July 1998.

However, he noted that despite his uncommon qualities that were capped by his victory at the annulled Presidential election of 12 June 1993 no national honor had been conferred on him in his lifetime or posthumously. Hon. Zorro was also of the view that a posthumous national award was in order as he was a symbolism of democracy and wondered why the late Abiola was yet to be accorded one when less deserving individuals had been decorated with such honour.

Hon. Anayo Nnebe (PDP:Anambra) also spoke on the matter but went further by suggesting that the late Abiola should be conferred the position of President elect posthumously and recommended June 12 as a public holiday in honour of his struggle. Also contributing was Hon. Rotimi Agunsoye(APC:Lagos) who stated that the late MKO Abiola was behind the struggle for the restoration of democracy. He however suggested that June 12 should be declared as Democracy day instead of the present May 29.

It is noteworthy that the House view corroborates the opinion of many civil activists and Nigerians who continue to remember the late Chief’s contributions more than twenty years after the annulment of the Presidential elections in Nigeria.