Former members of the House of Representatives from Nigeria’s Third Republic have called on President Bola Tinubu to address the dire conditions faced by many democracy advocates. In a statement issued on Wednesday by their spokesperson, John Fasogbon, the ex-lawmakers lamented that those who fought for democracy are now living in poverty.
The statement emphasized the critical role of the Third Republic, led by the late MKO Abiola, in establishing the current democratic era. Fasogbon highlighted that many key figures from this period, who won what was considered the fairest elections in the country’s history, were ousted by a military junta without receiving any benefits.
“Today, June 12, is being celebrated with the heroes of democracy dying in anguish and penury,” Fasogbon stated. He urged President Tinubu to honor these individuals and ensure they receive the entitlements owed to them from their tenure in the Federal House of Representatives from 1992-1993, similar to the honors given to Chief MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe by former President Muhammadu Buhari.