Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations, on Wednesday, led some eminent leaders in the Patriots and pro-democracy activists to the tomb of the late Chief MKO Abiola in Ikeja, Lagos to pay tributes.
Anyaoku, in company of retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof. Anthony Kila, Mr Wale Okunniyi and others, eulogised the patriotism of Abiola and his strong belief in the welfare of the people.
“It is a great pleasure and honour for us to be here to remember the late Bashorun MKO.
“I had the privilege of visiting him two times during his detention. Our conversation lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, he showed me he was a true Nigerian patriot.
“He (Abiola) was a clearly undisputable winner of the election that was annulled.
“The man who would have been our president lies here. We recognise his contributions to the development of our country.
“I was indescribably shocked about his death. He died when people were looking forward to seeing him released.
“He was a great leader that Nigeria never had. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.
Anyaoku said that Abiola was a true leader of all sections of the country, a democrat who believed in democracy, urging all to continue to struggle for democracy.
“I believe it is only through a new people’s democratically made constitution that we will be able to live up to the hopes and to the belief represented by Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.
Also speaking, Nwachukwu, who served twice as Foreign Minister during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and as a senator, said that Abiola had a huge passion for the people.
“When I met him, he was talking about repatriation of millions of people taken into slavery.
“He was a people’s man. He ran and won, but unfortunately, that election was annulled.
“Nigeria is crying for redemption, it is crying for growth, the only way we can have it is to have a people’s constitution. May his soul Rest In Peace,” Nwachukwu said.
Dr Yinusa Tanko, the spokesperson for the Obi-Datti campaign organisation, said that late Abiola was a true epitome of the struggle for democracy
“Here lies a true democrat, epitome of our true struggles. When we voted him, it was not about region or tribe, but for a true democracy.
“The youth of Nigeria spoke that he was their choice for a better Nigeria. The Nigerian youth have resurrected and are demanding better government,” Tanko, representing the 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, said.
Alhaji Shettima Yerima, National President, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, said that Abiola was a symbol of unity.
“It is unfortunate that this is not the kind of country Abiola died for. We gathered here to reflect on what he stood for.
“The county is in dire need for help. We must assemble and see what we can do.
“I felt strongly that these are moments we need to make this struggle more popular.
“We still have a long way to go. We need to do better so that we can immortalise this great man,” Yerima, a human right activist said.
Prof. Anthony Kila, one of the eminent leaders in the Patriots, said that the group came to recognise Abiola and many who toiled for democracy in Nigeria.
“Everything started from this man, we convened to rededicate our commitment to democracy and struggle for a more perfect nation,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr Wale Okunniyi, another leader of the Patriots and Convener, June 12 Pro-Democracy Movement of Nigeria, said that the group would not relent in fighting for a democracy that would work for the mass majority of Nigeria.
Okunniyi urged President Bola Tinubu to facilitate a process of national dialogue and consultation that would give birth to a democratic constitution.
Mrs Lola Abiola-Edewor, the first child of the late Abiola, commended the Patriots and all pro-democracy activists for efforts to keep alive the memory and ideals of his father.
“I am saying thank you for keeping faith and remembering him with love and passion, and for leaving everything you are doing to be here. I thank you all.
“It is imperative to acknowledge the fact that MKO was all about hope,” Abiola-Edewor said.
She urged Nigerians to continually pray for their leaders to be able to fulfill all promises of hope.
