TheCable

Alliance of Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) says it will confer an award of courage on Bola Tinubu, the president-elect, to mark the 30th anniversary of the June 12 election annulment.

In a statement signed by Popoola Ajayi, the group’s secretary, on Wednesday, AYDM said the president-elect would be honoured alongside Uba Sani, Kaduna governor-elect, for their “struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 election”.

Other people to be awarded at the event are governors of Lagos and Ekiti, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Abiodun Oyebanji, respectively.

Posthumous awards will also be given to Alfred Rewane, Anthony Enahoro, Abraham Adesanya, Beko Ransome Kuti, Adekunle Ajasin and Chima Ubani, among others.

“President-elect Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu will on June 12 this year be conferred with the honour of Distinguished Award for Courage as part of the activities to mark the 30th anniversary of the June 12 election annulment,” the statement reads.

“Others listed for awards are the Governor of Kaduna state, Comrade Uba Sani, Ekiti state Governor, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, Lagos state Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu and other front runners whose names will be announced soon. Listed is General Hassan Katsina. Unknown to many, he was one of those who worked quietly with humility for the actualisation of the June 12 election.

“The award also takes into consideration the key political figures who stand out in the consolidation of democracy.

“Since 1960, Nigeria has never produced a president from the rank and file of the radical pro-democracy movement until the February 2023 elections.

“The award will teach lessons to the younger generation about the tough history of the country and those who stood firmly with the people at the most difficult times. Some people elected today were never part of the campaign for democracy. In fact, some of them opposed and worked against democracy.

“The heroes were not just people from the South-west, many people from the North, including the Fulani and Hausa also participated in the historic campaign for a better and equitable Nigeria based on liberty and respect for the sanctity of votes. People born 30 years ago are now fathers. Many may not actually realise the pains and anguish that Nigerians passed through and those that led the struggle for democracy of today.

“Tinubu, Uba Sani, Kayode Fayemi, Femi Falana, Wole Soyinka, and Chima Ubani risked their lives for a democratic country. They put everything at the risk of their lives to resist tyranny and injustice. They deserve to be celebrated.”

AYDM added that about 2,000 delegates from across the county are expected to attend the event slated for Lagos on June 12.