Senate backs Buhari on Abiola; want him and Kingibe paid benefits

The Senate is backing President Muhammadu Buhari on the federal government’s decision to award the presumed winner of the June 1993, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Owolabi Abiola, with the highest honour in Nigeria, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).
It is going a step further to declare results of the election, 25 year after. Plus, the lawmakers want the families of Abiola and his running mate, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe, be paid all their allowances and entitlements. It is not clear if they should enjoy the benefits for four years.
The Senate also resolved to declare June 12 a public holiday; but opted that May 29 should remain the day for the inauguration of new elected officers.
Earlier, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said the constitution needs amendment if June 12 is declared as Democracy Day.
Senator Lanre Tejuosho started the Abiola debate. Citing Senate Rule 43, he congratulated President Buhari for the GCFR award and the new Democracy Day, describing it as a remarkable event that shows a spirit of reconciliation.
“There should be a reconciliation between between the Executive and the Legislative arms of government,” he added.
Senator Biodun Olujimi thanked Buhari for his moves and saluted him for his courage, adding that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should declare the results of the annulled election, as well as honour him and Kingibe with their remunerations.