For me, Thursday, February 20, 2025, was not a particularly exciting day watching the events that played out at the “A Journey in Service” book launch, written by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) (rtd).
For me, everyone at that event had a disgraceful dance on MKO Abiola’s grave. And it is so sad. It almost brought tears out of my eyes. I remember travelling to the United States after the annulment, and with what was going on then – the protests, the mindless killing and arrogance by the military authority – a Nigerian suggested that we should seek asylum. My response to him was shocking when I rejected the idea. I told him that I would rather be held up at Murtala Airport than be a refugee when the son of God has set me free. Hallelujah!!!
Congratulations, Nigerians. The truth we all know eventually came from the horse’s mouth yesterday, and he accepted responsibility for this misstep, as he calls it. However, the truth is that the annulment was about his safety, loyalty to friends, protection of an interest he was aware of, and a bargain for a safe landing and retirement.
One of the hallmarks of a true leader is his willingness to die for the cause he believes in. That is why Mandela is the only African leader, dead or alive, who is celebrated in the world today. Any leader who chickens out at a critical time of a decision that favours the people he leads is not a good leader.
Prof Nwosu revealed in his book many years ago that Abiola won the election. So, there is nothing new in accepting and declaring that Abiola won and taking full responsibility for it happening under his watch. However, the shifting of blame suggests that he may not have had complete control over the majority of decisions made by the administration during his leave.
Dancing on top of the water was only in response to the drummers under the water. If he had added “I AM SORRY” in his speech to the hearing of all Nigerians, the pain may have been assuaged to some extent. I am sure if Abacha were to be alive, he probably would have denied all the allegations, even if for face-saving. We expect his loyalists to start firing from all cylinders any moment from now. Welcome to the moment of denials, accusations, counter-accusations and more revelations. We read and hear tire!.
Listening to all their speeches, it was all about him and the people he promoted, their political careers or made rich and/or rehabilitated. The politicians and business persons were falling on top of one another to praise, sing, and make impressions, trying to outdo one another and dancing palongo and kokoma on the grave of M.K.O Abiola. Sadly, no one spoke for Nigeria, Abiola and his family and businesses and all those who lost their lives, businesses and property.
Those who should speak for Nigeria did praise singing, while others clapped and laughed away, and everyone felt good. Would that election have been annulled if the candidate of the NRC had won? The winners were all rejoicing yesterday, while the losers have gone and gone forever. Ha! What happens to our conscience? The various speakers tried to communicate the goods of IBB, but unfortunately, IBB is known for the June 12 annulment (and maybe SAP). The average Nigerian has forgotten the goods except for those profiting from them. I am not sure we moved on, as Prof. Osinbajo said. We accepted and resigned ourselves to fate. Many are still hurting.
Since 1993, Nigeria has never been one Nigeria and may never be. June 12 kickstarted the politics of ethnic loyalty, as most Nigerians do not feel protected anymore under the Presidency of anyone not from their region or religion. It is to your tent, O, Israel. No wonder the furore over the Muslim/Muslim ticket in 2023. Then, the N17b is raised or pledged for a Presidential Library when the initiator can fund the project. A Senator donated or pledged N250m. Hmmmm!!! I ask if his people’s needs, like hunger, unemployment, children being out of school, decaying school infrastructure, lack of teachers and learning materials, bad roads, insecurity, etc., have all been met. Methinks that N17b is huge and could do something if not for Nigeria and the entire North, but for children and women in Niger State.
Last word, I hope political thugs and other young people who are always engaged to disrupt elections will learn from the event of yesterday that the enemies of yesterday are now friends today. Tomorrow, they will gather where their children are marrying one another.
*’Yemi Osanyin sent this piece from Ibadan.
