There was uproar in the National Conference on Thursday over a motion to recognize the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Bashorun MKO Abiola as delegates were sharply divided along regional affiliations.
Most delegates from the south were unanimous in supporting the motion sponsored by Hon Orok Otu Duke under matters of urgent public importance citing Order 7 (5) of the Conference Rules.
However, delegates from the North ed by Mallam Naseer Kura representing the Civil Society, kicked against the motion.
This resulted to shouts of no!, no!!, no!!!, a development which triggered a rowdy floor to the consternation of newsmen and others watching proceeding from the gallery.
But, for the shrewd handling of the matter by the Chairman of conference, Justice Idris Kutigi, the shouting exchange on the floor would have degenerated into a fisticuff.
The motion on June 12 which nearly marred the session, specifically sought the leave of the House to pay tribute to all those who fell for the cause of Nigeria’s democracy spearheaded by MKO Abiola,
That the Conference should cause the authorities to always remember June 12 as a watershed in the history of Nigeria.
That a monument in tandem with what the conference had proposed for other heroes and heroines should be recommended in honour of MKO Abiola.
But these prayers did not go down well with some of the delegates who became enraged, including Umaru Mohammed Hadejia representing Jigawa state among others who strongly opposed the submission and shouted on top of their voices to register their disapproval.
Duke, who never showed concerned by the move from some delegates from North argued that the country cannot afford to carry on as if June 12 never existed, and further submitted that many Nigerians died on that day.
Speaking in support of the motion, Chief Edwin Clark told the delegates June 12 should have been the day the country should be observing as democracy day.
Clark said, “29 May is because somebody came into office and decided to make it as democracy day in this country. June 12 is democracy day in Nigeria.
“For 8 years he was not recognized, but when the President (Jonathan) came into power he recognized him and even named the University of Lagos after him, but for the protest of the students and the lecturers.
“We must have heroes in our country. So, as far as I am concerned we must observe such a day as an important day,” he said amidst shouts of yes and no among the delegates who attended the session yesterday.
After much debate on the issue, the conference Chairman, Justice Kutigi, called for a minute silence in honour of all the departed souls on account of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 elections.
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