The Government of Ondo, Osun and Ogun States have declared Monday as a work- free day the states in honour of the acclaimed winner of the June 12, presidential election, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Segun Ajiboye, said the late Abiola’s supreme sacrifice culminated in the hurried departure of the military from the political scene in 1999.
As part of the programmes lined up to celebrate the day, the government is organizing a lecture, with the theme: “June 12: A celebration of courage and resilience” to hold at the International Events and Culture Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
Hon. Wale Oshun is Chairman of the occasion, while human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, will be the guest speaker amongst eminent Nigerians, including notable activists, who are lined up to grace the event.
Similarly, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state approved Monday as work-free day in recognition and honour of the martyrdom of Chief Abiola, who laid down his life for Nigerians to enjoy the democratic dividends of today.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Alli.
Also, the government of Osun has declared Monday a public holiday to mark June 12 celebration in the state.
A statement issued on Friday, by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, announced the holiday.
“In line with its established policy of observing June 12 of every year as Democracy Day, the State Government of Osun has declared Monday, June 12 as public holiday,” the statement read.
“The public holiday became imperative in view of the fact that June 12 marked a watershed in the history of democratic evolution in the country. It was the day the June 12, 1993 presidential election, adjudged to be the freest and fairest in the history of Nigeria took place.”
The Ogun State government also declared the day as work-free as the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, in a statement said that Governor Ibikunle Amosun, in keeping the ideals of June 12 alive, has declared Monday, June 12, 2017 as work free.