BY EDMOND ODOK – Decades after one of the darkest crises that rocked Nigeria’s political foundation, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has disclosed that General Abdulsalami Abubakar was actively working to release MKO Abiola before the presumed June 12, 1993 presidential election winner tragically died in custody
According to Chief Obasanjo, arrangements for MKO’s freedom by the ex-Head of State were in the final, advanced stages prior to his unexpected death, adding that General Abubakar’s actions, such as releasing political prisoners and working to facilitate MKO Abiola’s release, should be commended.
Speaking at the public presentation of three books in honour of General Abubakar’s 84th birthday celebration, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84”, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, Chief Obasanjo described retired General as a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.
He highlighted General Abubakar’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty following General Sani Abacha’s death, saying, “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.’”
Further crediting Abubakar for initiating and sustaining democracy in Nigeria, Chief Obasanjo said, “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored.”
In his remarks at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan eulogized General Abubakar as a distinguished statesman whose lifetime of dedicated service to the nation and humanity reshaped Nigeria’s political landscape.
Focusing on his foundational role in Nigeria’s democracy, Jonathan praised the former head of state for his uncommon courage, selflessness, and steady hand in guiding the nation through a critical and peaceful transition to democratic governance.
He commended the former Military Leader for being selfless in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, noting that his ongoing peace advocacy reflects a legacy defined not by duration, but by impact and achievements recorded.
Jonathan also singled out General Abubakar as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic stability, praising the elder statesman’s historic sacrifice and further highlighting his rare restraint in relinquishing power, noting that he successfully resisted intense pressure to prolong military rule when he held total control over the nation’s apparatus.
Officially unveiling the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre (AAARC) was former Senate President and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim. He introduced the landmark facility as a tribute to the retired general’s enduring legacy of peace building and statesmanship across the African continent.
