Civil society organisations, Kudirat Initiative for Democracy and Women Arise, have hailed the pro-democracy activist, Kudirat Abiola, over her pivotal role in the restoration of civilian rule in Nigeria.

The groups, in a statement jointly signed by their respective presidents, Hafsat Abiola and Joe Odumakin, celebrated Mrs Abiola’s resistance to military dictatorship on Saturday.

“This June 4 marks the 30th anniversary of the death of our mum and dear friend, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, who was assassinated on the orders of the then-military regime.

“On the occasion of this landmark anniversary, as her daughter and as her friend and fellow pro-democracy activist, we celebrate her courage in standing against continued military rule. By seeking to restore democracy, she sought to bring light where there was darkness, at the cost of her life,” the statement read.

The groups, however, expressed concern over the rising disillusionment towards democracy amid challenges ravaging the country and the African continent at large.

“Yet, a rising crisis of disillusionment towards democracy as a political tool for solving problems of poverty and insecurity is spreading, not just in Nigeria but across the continent. Some critics point out that it is easier to change political parties through elections than to change the policies elected officials adopt,” the groups added.

The organisations further decried the poorly funded response to insecurity in the country, noting it had diminished living standards in Nigeria and in most other African countries.

Hailing Mrs Abiola for defying the military government to organise a movement for a democratic system, the groups urged Nigerians to emulate her courage and organise against the challenges ravaging the country.

“So, at a time when we are feeling that we are powerless to change our reality, it may be worth considering the possibility that we are not so much powerless as just not organised. Organisation is the lever that aggregates individuals so that they can move their world. 

“Kudirat Abiola’s life demonstrated this, and although, like the candle in Olé Irve’s poem, she burned out at the young age of 44, while she lived, she showed the power that people coming together can have on their world,” they added.

Mrs Abiola was a courageous pro-democracy activist and a key figure in the struggle to restore civilian rule in Nigeria.

She became a primary leader of the resistance against the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, organising strikes and marches to demand the restoration of the June 12 mandate and the release of political prisoners.