Obasanjo reveals Abubakar made efforts to free MKO Abiola prior to his passing.

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Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd)

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By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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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.

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“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.

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“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.'”

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

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

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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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