Abubakar tried to secure release of MKO Abiola before his death — Obasanjo

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday revealed that the former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, was facilitating the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, Moshood Abiola – popularly known as MKO Abiola – before his death.

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

Obasanjo described General Abubakar as a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.

Chief Obasanjo highlighted General Abubakar’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty following General Sani Abacha’s death.

According to him, Abubakar’s actions — such as releasing political prisoners and facilitating MKO Abiola’s release — should be commended.

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 for initiating and sustaining democracy in Nigeria.

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

Speaking 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 commended the former head of state for his uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria and his continued advocacy for peace, a legacy he said is measured not by the number of years but by achievements recorded.

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

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

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