Former members of the House of Representatives from Nigeria’s Third Republic have made a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu, urging him not to let the nation’s democratic heroes live and die in poverty. This call was articulated in a statement by their spokesperson, Mr. John Fasogbon, on Wednesday in Osogbo.
Fasogbon emphasized the pivotal role the Third Republic, spearheaded by the late MKO Abiola, played in birthing Nigeria’s current democratic era. He expressed deep regret that those who fought for the democracy the country now enjoys are languishing in severe poverty.
“We, the members of the House of Representatives from the Third Republic, ran and won elections considered the fairest in our nation’s history. Sadly, after being sworn in, the military junta ousted us without any benefits,” Fasogbon lamented. “Today, June 12, is celebrated, yet the heroes of our democracy are dying in anguish and penury. Many of us have passed away without any compensation, and those still alive are living in poverty.”
In a call for national reconciliation, Fasogbon urged President Tinubu to ensure the payment of their entitlements from their tenure in 1992-1993. He also appealed for these former lawmakers to be honored in the same manner that former President Muhammadu Buhari honored MKO Abiola and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe.
Fasogbon, who represented Ife Federal Central Constituency, extended congratulations to President Tinubu and all Nigerians on the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy.