Tinubu Attends National Premiere of MKO Documentary, Honours June 12 Democracy Struggle

Tinubu Attends National Premiere of MKO Documentary, Honours June 12 Democracy Struggle

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary film by US-based Nigerian filmmaker, Ose Oyamendan, chronicling the life, political struggle and legacy of the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

The screening, held at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, Lagos, was part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The documentary focuses on the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the subsequent pro-democracy struggle by Nigerians and activists seeking the restoration of democratic rule.

The premiere attracted senior government officials and other dignitaries, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also present were the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev; members of the National Assembly; former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; and other distinguished personalities.

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, welcomed the President and other guests to the premiere.

Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, paid tribute to Nigerians who lost their lives or suffered persecution, detention, exile and other forms of repression during the struggle for the restoration of democracy.

Onanuga led the gathering in observing a minute’s silence in honour of those who died during the democratic struggle, stressing that their sacrifices should not be forgotten.

He remembered prominent pro-democracy figures, including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chima Ubani, Chief Bola Ige, Senator Cornelius Adebayo, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Alhaji Balarabe Musa, as well as members of pro-democracy organisations and the labour movement.

Onanuga also honoured journalists, lawyers, students, academics, workers and Nigerians in the diaspora who contributed to the struggle, noting that many endured arrests, imprisonment, exile, loss of livelihoods and attacks for defending democratic principles.

He said MKO would serve not only as a tribute to Abiola but also as a reminder of the collective sacrifices made by Nigerians who demanded that their democratic choice be respected.

“The democracy we enjoy today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of the people we have identified. We owe them more than remembrance. We owe them a duty to ensure that no authority ever again overturns the freely expressed will of Nigerians,” Onanuga said.

He commended the producers of the documentary for preserving an important chapter of Nigeria’s political history and making it accessible to a new generation.

Minister Musawa said the documentary chronicles the events surrounding the June 12, 1993 presidential election, its annulment by the military authorities, Abiola’s arrest in 1994 after declaring his mandate and his death in detention in 1998.

She described the film as a tribute to the heroes of June 12 and the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the struggle for democracy.

Musawa stressed the importance of documenting the events surrounding the election, which has been widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest elections, so that younger generations can understand the sacrifices that preceded the country’s democratic experience.

She urged Nigerians to continue to protect the country’s democracy and ensure that the will of the people is respected.

The documentary’s producer, Oyamendan, commended President Tinubu for his support for the project and thanked individuals and organisations that contributed to its production.

Recalling his relationship with the President, Oyamendan said he first interviewed Tinubu when he was a senator in 1992.

The premiere of MKO is expected to contribute to the preservation of Nigeria’s political history and provide younger Nigerians with an opportunity to learn about the events, personalities and sacrifices that shaped the country’s democratic journey.

Tinubu Attends National Premiere of MKO Documentary, Honours June 12 Democracy Struggle