Reports from Lagos said students of University of Lagos are protesting against the renaming of the University after MKO Abiola by President Goodluck Jonathan.The students are right now staging a massive protest at the university ,a situation that has sparked fears of escalation in some circles.MKO Abiola was the winner of June 12,1993 Presidential election annulled by the General Ibrahim Babangida junta.
Jonathan in a broadcast today said the renaming was mearnt to honour Abiola. ” It is also in this regard that the Federal Government has decided that late Chief M.K.O. Abiola be honoured, for making the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and truth. Destiny and circumstances conspired to place upon his shoulders a historic burden, and he rose to the occasion with character and courage. He deserves recognition for his martyrdom, and public-spiritedness and for being the man of history that he was. We need in our land, more men and women who will stand up to defend their beliefs, and whose example will further enrich our democracy. After very careful consideration, and in honour of Chief M.K.O. Abiola’s accomplishments and heroism, on this Democracy Day, the University of Lagos, is renamed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, Moshood Abiola University, Lagos. The Federal Government will also establish an Institute of Democratic Studies and Governance in the University ” Joathan said.
