President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accompanied by his wife, the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, attended the national premiere of MKO, a documentary film by US-based filmmaker Ose Oyamendan, at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. The screening was part of activities commemorating Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary. The film chronicles the life, political struggle, and enduring legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and the historic June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
The documentary recounts the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a watershed in Nigeria's democratic history, and the campaign by Nigerians and pro-democracy activists to restore democratic governance. Senior government officials and other dignitaries in attendance included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, welcomed the President and other guests to the premiere. Musawa said MKO chronicles the events leading to the 12 June 1993 presidential election, its annulment by the military authorities, Chief Abiola's arrest in 1994, and his death in detention in 1998. The documentary is in honour of the heroes of June 12, who gave their lives for the mandate of June 12, 1993, and for the democracy Nigeria enjoys today.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr 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. He noted that the freedoms Nigerians enjoy today were secured through the courage of many individuals who stood firm against authoritarian rule. Onanuga led the gathering in observing a minute's silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the democratic struggle.
Onanuga commended the producers of MKO for documenting an important chapter in Nigeria's political history and making it accessible to a new generation. He said the democracy enjoyed today was built upon the courage and sacrifices of the people who fought for it. The President's attendance at the premiere underscored the importance his administration attaches to preserving Nigeria's democratic history and honouring the men and women whose courage helped pave the way for the country's current democratic system.
The documentary producer, Mr Oyamendan, lauded President Tinubu for his tenacity, courage, and conviction on the principles of democracy. He thanked various personalities who supported the project's realisation, including the President, who he recalled interviewing as a senator in 1992. Oyamendan expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the documentary's production.
Minister Musawa reiterated the need for concerted effort by citizens to jealously guard the nation's democracy and ensure that the will of the people is never again truncated. The documentary serves as a tribute to Chief Abiola and a reminder of the collective sacrifices made by Nigerians who demanded respect for the people's democratic choice. The event was a significant commemoration of Nigeria's democratic history and the heroes who fought for the country's current democratic system.
Key points
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu attends the national premiere of MKO, a documentary film chronicling the life and legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
- The documentary recounts the events surrounding the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and the campaign for democratic governance.
- The event was attended by senior government officials and dignitaries, who paid tribute to the heroes of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle.
