Abubakar sought to secure MKO Abiola’s release before his death, says Obasanjo

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo revealed on Saturday that former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar had been working to secure the release of Moshood Abiola – the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election – before his own death.

Chief Obasanjo made the statement during a public presentation of three books honouring General Abubakar’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84”, held in the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Obasanjo praised General Abubakar as a distinguished military leader, officer, gentleman, patriot, nationalist, and peacemaker.

He highlighted the former general’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty that followed the death of General Sani Abacha.

According to Obasanjo, Abubakar’s actions – including the release of political prisoners and the facilitation of MKO Abiola’s release – deserve commendation.

He said: “You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was.”

“As has been said by the president of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that. Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released, and you kept me regularly informed and also related messages to the family.”

“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘Our man is dead.’”

Chief Obasanjo credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

“Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored.”

Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described General Abubakar as a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity.

Dr Jonathan recounted General Abubakar’s role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to democratic governance.

He praised the former head of state for his uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, noting that his legacy is measured not by the number of years but by the achievements recorded.

Jonathan added that General Abubakar stabilised democracy in the country and should be commended for not succumbing to pressure to remain in office longer.

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, introduced the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre.

The post “Abubakar tried to secure release of MKO Abiola before his death — Obasanjo” first appeared on Vanguard News.