ADVERTISEMENT

Lawmakers almost fought themselves over Abiola honour

There was a rowdy session in the House of Reps over Buhari's decision to declare June 12 Nigeria's democracy day.

On Wednesday, June 6, 2018, Buhari handed out the highest award in the land to the late Abiola and declared that June 12 will henceforth replace May 29 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

'Unconstitutional'

A handful of lawmakers in the House of Reps described Buhari’s declaration as unconstitutional and asked that the decision to posthumously honour Abiola be rescinded.

ADVERTISEMENT

There was support for Buhari’s decision on the floor of the House of Reps too, with those against it saying they want the executive arm of government to adhere to the rule of law.

In the senate, Senator Dino Melaye had started kicking against the decision, when he said; "A dead man is not a citizen of Nigeria and can't receive the award", when he was shouted down by his colleagues and promptly ruled out of order.

Abiola was winning the majority of votes cast after the 1993 election, when then military President Ibrahim Babangida c

The annulment sparked protests and unrest across Nigeria. Abiola died in prison custody 5 years after the vote. He had refused to renounce his mandate.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Yobe commissioner laments abuse of Almajiri children

Yobe commissioner laments abuse of Almajiri children

Over 8,000 migrants drown in 2023 trying to reach greener pastures

Over 8,000 migrants drown in 2023 trying to reach greener pastures

Otu probes how 38,358 workers joined Cross River's civil service in 8 years

Otu probes how 38,358 workers joined Cross River's civil service in 8 years

3 Ondo Amotekun officers dismissed for misconduct, 7 suspects paraded

3 Ondo Amotekun officers dismissed for misconduct, 7 suspects paraded

Tinubu seriously wants kidnappers to be treated as terrorists

Tinubu seriously wants kidnappers to be treated as terrorists

Nigeria Police Force wins 56% of criminal cases taken to court in 1 year

Nigeria Police Force wins 56% of criminal cases taken to court in 1 year

Poor man sells kidney for ₦1.4 million cash, ₦1.4 million motorcycle

Poor man sells kidney for ₦1.4 million cash, ₦1.4 million motorcycle

Lagos will experience abnormal rainfall from April to December

Lagos will experience abnormal rainfall from April to December

Kano Governor appoints Kwankwaso’s son as commissioner

Kano Governor appoints Kwankwaso’s son as commissioner

Pulse Sports

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

Michelle Alozie: I had to do it because of African referees

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

AC Milan star reveals he was named after Super Eagles legend Tijani Babangida

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Give him the job! Super Eagles fans beg NFF to make Finidi George permanent coach after Nigeria's win over Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

Super Eagles 2-1 Black Stars: Nigerians praise Iwobi, Lookman, Finidi George after friendly victory against Ghana

What 'calm' Finidi George said after speaking for the first time as Super Eagles coach

What 'calm' Finidi George said after speaking for the first time as Super Eagles coach

Why Eguavoen and Super Eagles stars should learn from Mikel Obi

Why Eguavoen and Super Eagles stars should learn from Mikel Obi

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT