Connect with us
Advertisment

news

‘My Father would stay in the front of the mirror to rehearse how he will deliver his inauguration speech’ – MKO Abiola’s daughter

Published

on

Advertisment

 

Hafsat Abiola-Costello, the daughter of late Moshood Abiola, presumed winner of the 1993 presidential polls on Tuesday described how her father had planned his inauguration speech, while awaiting the results of the general election.

Advertisment

Election data from the election showed Mr Abiola won the polls but he was never formally declared winner or sworn into office by the military government of Ibrahim Babangida, which annulled the polls widely acclaimed as free and fair.

Mr Abiola was later imprisoned by the Sani Abacha’s military regime as he struggled to actualise his mandate. He died in prison in 1998.

Successive governments have brushed aside calls for Mr Abiola to be honoured and for the federal government to recognise June 12 as democracy day.

Advertisement

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday morning, conferred Mr Abiola with the nation’s highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, (GCFR) – a honour usually conferred only on presidents and former presidents.

Mr Abiola, and late Obafemi Awolowo are the only two persons who have been honoured with GCFR without being sworn in as Nigerian president.

While Mr Abiola was given a posthumous award GCFR, his then running mate, Babagana Kingibe, was awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).

Also, late human rights activist and senior lawyer, Gani Fawehinmi, was awarded the GCON.

A t the event to honour Mr Abiola and others over June 12, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Mrs Abiola-Costello spoke on behalf of the Abiola family.

She was was invited to speak on the family’s behalf by her elder brother and late Abiola’s first son, Kola.

 

She said Mr Buhari was amongst the ”least expected persons to honour her father because of their (both men) unsavoury history.”

She said it is difficult to try to stand in for ”one of the greatest human beings (Abiola) that the world ever had.”

“Even for Chief MKO Abiola, it was difficult to imagine how he would speak to Nigerians in his inauguration speech.

“My mum told me how he would stand in front of the mirror, preparing the speech because the results were coming in and he thought he would surely deliver the speech.

“You know he was a stammerer and he would start … ‘fellow Nigerians,’ and he never really got past ‘fellow Nigerians’. He would say a few words and then reply, ‘not like that’, and he would start again,’’ she explained.

She said her father’s love for Nigeria was unparalleled, which led him to die for Nigeria instead of compromising the integrity and sovereignty of the nation.

“Although he was Yoruba, he loved Hausas, Kanuris, Efiks, Igbos and all, you just needed to be a Nigerian,’’ she said.

Mrs Abiola-Costello said her father’s recognition by the president is worth it ”especially for a family which gave a lot.”

Her mother, Kudirat Abiola, died while struggling to reclaim the mandate, given to her husband by Nigerians, from an antagonistic and brutal military government.

She was killed in an assassination in Lagos in 1996 by suspected agents of the then military government.

 

 

Advertisment
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

news

Ondo 2024: Leading Aspirant, Funmi Ayinke Purchases APC Nomination Form

Published

on

 

Advertisment

To further express her passion to serve the people of Ondo state, Engr. (Dr) Olufunmilayo Ayinke-Adekojo, a leading aspirant in the Ondo governorship race has purchased her nomination form today Wednesday, 27th Of March, 2024.

Funmi Ayinke, as she is fondly called among her followers, besieged the APC national headquarters in Abuja to pick up her nomination form, substantiating her interest in the governorship race.

Advertisment

The race for who becomes the next governor of Ondo state has attracted several politicians in the state including the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa. While many of them have stepped down, Funmi Ayinke has continued to wax stronger by the day and with the purchase of her nomination form, she has shown that indeed she is capable of becoming the next governor of Ondo state.

Despite being the only recognizable female in the race, Funmi Ayinke has shown great strength, sagacity and credibility; she is truly the candidate to beat in the race.

Speaking at the Party’s Secretariat, Funmilayo, Adekojo expressed confidence that she would win the party’s ticket and would tailor her campaign inline with the guidelines

Advertisement

She said, “I am confident that I will secure the nomination as the party’s candidate and emerge victorious in the Ondo State Governorship Election. This is an opportune moment for women to showcase their leadership abilities and make a significant impact in politics. With determination and support, I am ready to lead the way and bring about positive change for the people of Ondo State.”

“As a woman, I recognize the importance of representation and diversity in governance. I am committed to amplifying the voices of women and addressing the unique challenges they face. By promoting gender equality and inclusivity, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Ondo State for all its residents.”

“My candidacy symbolizes a shift towards a more inclusive and progressive political landscape. By breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, I aim to inspire future generations of women to pursue their ambitions fearlessly. Together, we can build a brighter future where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive.”

Adekojo was warmly received, on behalf of the National Working Committee by Alhaji Suleiman Argungu and others.

 

 

 

Advertisment
Continue Reading

news

PROPHETIC HALL OF FAME: beware of early exit of King Charles, prophet Godwin Ikuru tells Buckingham palace

Published

on

 

Advertisment

Prophet Godwin Ikuru of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry, Lagos is one of the great prophets we have in Africa.He has several fulfilled prophecies as God uses him greatly to deliver revelations, prophecies, warnings and spiritual guidance.

Advertisment

He’s one prophet that God has been using greatly these days;as the mouthpiece and oracle of God,God has given him revelation concerning the Royal House of England,King Charles of England.He said “I see tragedy in the Royal House of England,I don’t see King Charles ruling for long,his health is the major thing that will hamper his reign and bring disaster,he need to work assiduously to combat his health issues if he wishes to spend enough time on earth” .

Advertisment
Continue Reading

news

Prophetic Hall Of Fame : Prophet Godwin Ikuru Speak Again

Published

on

 

Advertisment

The Senate President Take your times and take good care of your health.

The nation needs you
your family needs you
also friends need you .

Advertisment

God needs you to deliver the Good Peoples of Nigerians
Almighty God as places a responsibility on your shoulders.

To carry Nigerian through this difficult time ,so you need Divine health to carry your people’s through as a Senate President of Nigeria.

God Bless you .

Advertisement

PROPHECY!!!

Prophet Godwin Ikuru
General Oversea of Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry

Advertisment
Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending