Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has revealed the frantic effort made by the former military Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, to secure the release of the late Nigerian politician and businessman, Moshood Abiola, from custody before his death.
Obasanjo made the disclosure during his address at the 84th birthday celebration and book launch in honour of Abdulsalami at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Saturday.
While hailing the former military leader for his contribution to Nigeria’s return to democracy, Obasanjo recalled Abdulsalami’s decisive steps to stabilise the nation, including the release of political detainees and efforts aimed at freeing MKO Abiola after the demise of predecessor, Gen. Sani Abacha.
“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.” He said.
Obasanjo disclosed that the release of MKO Abiola was almost finalised with the son of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner already in Abuja to pick his father before the news of death in custody broke out.
“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.” The former president said.
Obasanjo also hailed Abubakar for laying the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation, noting that democratic governance was restored within a year of his assumption of office.
“Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he added.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as an exceptional statesman whose life has been defined by service to Nigeria and humanity.
Jonathan, according to reports, reflected on the former Head of State’s role in overseeing a peaceful transition from military rule to democratic governance, describing his actions as courageous and selfless.
He said Abubakar’s enduring commitment to peace and national development has left a lasting legacy, adding that his contributions should be measured by his achievements rather than the number of years he has lived.
Jonathan further commended the elder statesman for strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and resisting pressure to extend his stay in power after assuming office.
Also speaking at the event, former President of the Senate and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, unveiled the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre, established in honour of the former Head of State.