Interviews
“Mko, Adedibu, Oba Abimbola Jibola and I were the Key Players Behind June 12”-Chief Abimbola Aboderin
Published
5 years agoon
….Why President Buhari should Honor Them
The June 12, 1993 election has since come and gone but the memories of that year will forever linger in the heart of Nigerians. The outcome of the election led to the death of Nigeria’s most celebrated democrat and business mogul, the late Chief MKO Abiola.The election results came out and Abiola won but due to some reasons, it was annulled by General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. This brought about a lot of reactions and in a bid to reclaim victory, some died in the process.On the 12th of June, 2018, MKO Abiola was honoured with the GCFR Title with his then running mate, AlhajiBabaganaKingibe by President Muhammadu Buhari and June 12 declared National day of Democracy . But further researches carried out by Sahara weekly revealed that those who actually fought for June 12 alongside Abiola, those who were with him even before election weren’t mentioned nor honoured.In an interview with one of the Four major Key players who were the decision makers, he revealed a lot of things that weren’t known to the public. Excerpts:
Can we meet you?
I am Chief Abimbola Aboderin. I am an industrialist. Although, I studied Banking and Finance in the University of California, the United States. I am also into property business as well.
You Just bagged an award as Icon of Democracy, what informed that ?
Politics is something I grew up with. My late father was the founder of Ibadan People’s Party. Others were Chief Adisa Akinloye, Adegoke Adelabu and other prominent people in Ibadan. My dad won the ticket to the Western House of Assembly and later teamed up with the Action group to go for the Federal Parliament. He was the first Nigeria to be involved in oil Business which include Shell. When I was a student in California, I had the ambition of joining politics . When I got back to Nigeria, I served with Savannah Bank. I was trained by Bank of America. My father asked me if I wanted to be a senator and I said Not yet. I told him I was studying the political terrain then around 1979 especially the political party he formed with Chief Obafemi Awolowo,UPN.
We understand you had a strong relationship with the late MKO Abiola, how did it all started?
The late MKO Abiola was a very close friend of mine. It all started when I came from the US. I came to the house to see my father who was an industrialist and a politician at that time with the likes of Late AdegokeAdelabu of the Penkelemesi fame and the late sage, Chief ObafemiAwolowo. So that day, when I came to see my late father, I saw Abiola on the floor because my father was sitting at the Water Front house.I saw someone lying there, I didnot know who he was and I asked my father. He said his name was Abiola. He saw me and greeted me and asked me to come see him later. He wanted my father to convince the Yorubas to be on his side and that was in the early 80s. So, I went to see him and we discussed. We didnot see again for a while until the day I met him again in Ibadan at the late Chief LamidiAdedibu’s home who happened to be living in one of the properties my father gave him. I was like his landlord. My father gave him little of the property when he came to request for help from him but he put me in control of it. Adedibu was anxious to see me so I met Abiola there for the second time. He greeted me and told me he is afraid of the convention towards his nomination at Jos that he knows he will win the general election but the convention is his problem. We became friends, Also I got to know Babangida through the armed forces. He introduced Yar’ Adua to me and General Alimi. The three of them were my friends. I was one of the Special Monitoring Group and while we were canvassing for votes, it was obvious that Alhaji Babagana Kingibe and Atiku Abubakar were leading, Atiku was using Yar’ Adua’s structure so we didn’t know what to do again and Adedibu suggested we go to Yar’ Adua’s house. He took a few people there and at the end of the day, he was able to convince him to ask Atiku to step down so all his delegates now voted for MKO and that was how he won the convention.He only beat Kingibe with few delegates, so we were all happy and we jubilated. I didnot stay with them but stayed in a hotel with a doctor and Abiola’s lawyer. We were close and they call us President’s men. After the victory, Adedibu suggested we visit Yar’ Adua to show appreciation. We got there and as Abiola’s right hand men, I was given a package to give Yar’Adua to thank him. Sincerely, Adedibu played a key role in Abiola’s political journey.
As we came out of Yar’ Adua’s home, I was throwing some cash and everyone was jubilating but some people were not happy and wanted to kill Adedibu. They started shooting. Luckily, I had my car with Lagos number and escaped the assassination attempt. If not for the game we played during the convention, Abiola would have lost that election.
It was very crucial because he told me personally. Afterwards, we formed a committee towards the general election and we started raising money for the Late MKO Abiola because no matter how rich you are, you must raise money for politics. Thus, the day we commenced preparation towards the election, Abiola came with his wife, Bisi. He organized his three wives into three zones. Bisi was for West, Doyin handles the East and Kudirat was for the North. We raised about 350 million naira cash and some few cheques. The money was in my custody from 6 o’clock till the next morning. If I had removed N50million, then I would have bought a house at GRA then (smiles) but I was not desperate because I was comfortable. The next morning, the lawyer came, we handed the money to Chief Adedibu and all of us drove to Lagos to see Abiola at home. We jubilated again and said we will win the general election by God’s grace. Everything was in our favour and you can see the sign that Abiola was winning all over the country. The election was very peaceful, the best so far in Nigeria.
We then drove to Abiola’s house after the election and went up stairs where we normally have our meetings.Even before that, let us talk about the issue of Vice Presidential candidate. IBB and MKO were good friends. They were always talking, it wasnot a tribal thing, what happened was that when two people were nominated from what Abiola told us, Paschal Bafyau and MaitamaSule. They were the credible people. Bafyau was head of the Nigerian Labour Congress at that time, so we said if we choose those people, Babagana Kingibe will not be happy because he was the party chairman and he can play games.
We asked the lawyer to go to Abiola and tell him Kingibe who was the chairman of the party, SDP, was the man we chose. That is how he got there. He used to sit down very quietly at Abiola’splace, he didn’t know how his nomination as Vice president came about. But I think when Abiola told IBB about the choice of Kingibe as Vice President, he was not happy.
So IBB Prefered either of those two to Kingibe?
Yes! It’s not as if he doesn’t like him but he prefers those people. Back to the election, while we were all jubilating, we just suddenly heard the election was cancelled. We were shocked to our bones. Abiola asked us what’s the solution? His lawyer started a legal action. We were the first to start the legal action against the Government. We went to Mr.Afe Babalola to discuss, people were ready to fight but to me it wasn’t a war issue. It was just an issue between two friends.
When the election was annulled, what was MKO’S Reaction and did he try to reach IBB?
At that time, they were not really talking on phone again, Abiola was angry too so we got some people from Ibadan to protect Abiola. Another issue is that some people betrayed Abiola by divulging what we discussed to Babangida and vice versa. Some people were like that because they wanted money. They were political jobbers. They came between the two of them. Our plan was that Abiola should go abroad and declare so they can call him over to be president but unfortunately, the struggle was hijacked by NADECO. Infact Abiola was ready for negotiation when he was arrested too but they influenced him against it.
I know you can’t declare king in a cabinet of Lion, and Abacha was already in power. That was the beginning of the problem. He was locked up. We tried our best to get him out. We went to Abacha and Adedibu tried to convince him to release Abiola but they took it seriously and I can’t blame him. If there was diplomacy, they could have settled the issue between two friends. At the end of the day, Abiola died. it was a very painful day for me especially for a man who has worked so hard for his dream and aspiration.
As someone who was close to IBB, Did you at any point in time during or after the annulment tried to get his opinion?
Unfortunately, when I was with Abiola, IBB didn’t know. I didn’t see him for a while. When he became president, I only saw him once.
During the annulment, how did Abiola reacted and what did he say about IBB? IBB told Nigerians that he annulled the election because of his own life, do you believe?
I believe Abiola had issues with some people in the armed forces. He made a mistake by calling them ‘bad dogs’. Probably, they were not happy that a man that could abuse them is coming in as President but Abiola meant well for the people. I believe it is possible that IBB was scared because some soldiers might not want Abiola to be there. They were good friends.
Would it be right to say MKO was betrayed by people close to him?
Yes, some of them took words from Abiola and told IBB. Sincerely, if we have engaged diplomacy as planned and getting him to declare his mandate abroad, it would have been better. It wasn’t a tribal thing but NADECO hijacked it and it spiraled out of control. I cannot blame them. Everybody was angry with the government.
Talking about President Buhari’shonour of Chief MKO Abiola 25 years after, what is your take on that? Do you believe it’s the right time or it’s politically motivated?
Actually, he is right because it’s been a long period, it’s never too late to do justice. The man won the election. I think Buhari did a good thing.
There was a story that Abiola said Kingibewas part of the people that betrayed him that he even started giving him salary as a vice-president immediately he picked him, how true is this?
I do not know. That is between him and Kingibe. He never told me that.
Before the annulment, did late MKO Abiola have the premonition that such will happen?
No, because we were all happy. He was sure of victory and was shocked when it was annulled
During the struggle, Kudirat lost her life too, were you still part of the struggle then or you decided to leave them because you didn’t agree with the way they were going with the struggle?
I didn’t agree with the radical approach. Even when Abacha took over from Chief Ernest Sonekan, everyone rushed to Kudirat’s place and we were hoping Abacha would do something because he was talking with MKO too then. We were not happy with the struggle, because with a little diplomacy, it would have been different today. I commend Buhari for what he has done but most people honoured were not part of the real story. Adedibu, myself and the lawyer were the backbone behind the struggle because all decision were made by us.
What did the lawyer say about the honour?
I called him. He was one of the Obas that were chosen to be at the event. His name is Oba AbimbolaJibola.
Was he happy with the radical approach?
He was not happy because it was annoying
How Do you feel not being Celebrated as Key player in the June 12 struggle ?
Sadly, like they say a prophet is not honored in his own country.
President Buhari has acknowledged June 12, what’s your take on that ?
Seriously I was not in the struggle for personal gain but I can tell you authoritatively that the four of us were the major players in the struggle. I invested my life,time and money and got nothing out of it,yet happy. However, I believe the president acknowledgement of June 12 is a right call at the right time . I commend his boldness and wisdom. I believe if it’s God’s will for him to recognize us,it would be nice.
Related
You may like
PROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI
Sahara Weekly Victoria Akai is an organizational leader with wealth of experience and robust educational background. Over the years, she has propelled institutions towards unprecedented success. With a steadfast commitment to achieving organizational goals and a knack for fostering innovation, Akai has carved a niche for herself as a transformative leader par excellence.
Educational Journey and Affiliations
Victoria Akai’s journey towards leadership excellence commenced with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, followed by an MBA from and now culminating in a Doctoral degree in Business Administration. Her academic prowess is complemented by a plethora of certifications from renowned institutions such as the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, MDF Certification in European Development Funds Procedures, GIZ Academy for International Cooperation and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, reflecting her dedication to continuous learning and professional development. Akai’s affiliation with esteemed organizations including the Institute of Directors UK, Rotary International, and the African Business Integrity Network underscores her commitment to global collaboration and ethical business practices.
Victoria is also a Fellow of the Institute of Charetered Mediators and Cociliators FICMC in Nigeria.
Professional Trajectory
Akai’s illustrious career trajectory is marked by a series of pivotal roles where she has consistently demonstrated her prowess in strategic planning, operational management, and organizational transformation. As the Director General at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), she worked closely with the executive committee to chart the chamber’s strategic course, effectively managing human and financial resources to achieve organizational objectives. Under her adept leadership, ACCI cemented its reputation as a premier Chamber of Commerce in the region, with heightened visibility and enhanced collaboration with key stakeholders.
Prior to her tenure at ACCI, Akai served as the Director of the Business Entrepreneurship Skills Technology Centre, where she spearheaded the establishment and strategic positioning of the center, driving initiatives to nurture entrepreneurship and innovation. Her role involved not only overseeing day-to-day operations but also forging strategic alliances, designing impactful programs, and ensuring compliance with regulatory frameworks. Akai’s adept leadership ensured the center’s alignment with the overarching goals of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, thereby enhancing its relevance and impact within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Before her tenure at the Business Entrepreneurship Skills Technology Centre, Akai held the position of Managing Director at KVS International Limited, where she played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, driving business development initiatives, and fostering a culture of excellence. Her strategic acumen and keen business insights were instrumental in driving growth and profitability for the organization.
Victoria has served as a lead Consultant to Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Primary Health Care. She has also served as a board member of the University of Abuja Centre for Entrepreneurship.
Victoria is currently a member of the Presidential High Level Advisory Committee on women and girls in Nigeria. She also currently serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry Mines and Agriculture where is represents the EXCO on the Board of Nigerian National Accreditation System NiNAS, she is board member of the Nigerian Turkish Business Council and the Nigerian Ambassador of the Global African Business Association, USA.
Strategic Vision and Operational Excellence
At the core of Akai’s leadership philosophy lies a relentless pursuit of excellence and a strategic vision that transcends organizational boundaries. Whether it is optimizing resource allocation, fostering collaboration, or driving innovation, Akai consistently leverages her diverse skill set and extensive experience to navigate complexities and deliver tangible results. Her ability to inspire and motivate teams, coupled with her analytical prowess and sound judgment, enables her to tackle challenges head-on and steer organizations towards sustainable growth and success.
Akai’s strategic foresight is further evidenced by her tenure a Manager in European Union Support to Health Projects in Nigeria managed by EPOS Germany and Consiel Sante/Sofreco, France, where she oversaw procurement operations across multiple project offices, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, her role as a Banking Analyst equipped her with invaluable insights into risk management, financial analysis, and customer relationship management, further enriching her multifaceted skill set.
Conclusion`
Victoria Akai shines as a beacon of stability and strategic insight amidst a turbulent environment, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate complexities with grace and precision. Her steadfast dedication to excellence, bolstered by her extensive experience and educational background, positions her as a transformative leader capable of steering organizational success amid evolving challenges. Victoria’s pioneering spirit and ability to inspire change underscore the profound impact of visionary leadership and operational excellence. She transcends mere leadership, embodying the qualities of a visionary, trailblazer, and inspiration to all. Victoria’s dynamic leadership leaves an enduring imprint on both organizational goals and the individuals she leads, fostering a culture of excellence in the ever-evolving business landscape. As a luminary in organizational management, Victoria exemplifies dedication, innovation, and excellence, continually inspiring and elevating those around her. Her unwavering commitment to continuous improvement and adeptness in navigating challenges with poise further solidify her legacy as a transformative leader.
Related
society
Classic Queen International Top Model Emmanuella, Shares Her Challenges and Success Story
Published
10 months agoon
December 23, 2023Classic Queen International Top Model Emmanuella, Shares Her Challenges and Success Story
Of a truth, Emmanuella Asu is an embodiment of beauty with brains. She emerged as the Classic Queen International top model 2023. In this chat with us, she shared her challenges and success secrets with us. Excerpts…
Congratulations on your emergence as the Classic Queen international top model, how do you feel about being the runner-up
At first, I wasn’t exactly happy about it, but then I realized that being the 2nd runner-up doesn’t change the fact that I’m also a Queen, and I have my role to play. So I’m elated.
How did you hear about the pageantry and what informed you to contest?
My manager told me about it but I had encouragement from someone special (Charles)to contest.
What were the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?
It’s been three years since I last contested in a pageant. So I almost backed out because I was in a different location and the requirements as well. But I never back down. So I spoke to a couple of people and as God would have it preparations were made and here I am today.
What stands you out among your peers and what’s the secret of your success?
A lot of my peers are afraid of failing but I believe that “True Success is overcoming the fear of being unsuccessful “Paul Sweeney and that’s what keeps me pushing, I never give up.
what’s your take on the pageant and what’s your proposed project as beauty queen?
It’s a great platform and I feel honored to be part of the organization. I have lots of projects I might not be able to accomplish all but I believe most would be fulfilled, I plan on working with the government of Cross River State to take as many street children as possible, off the streets, which is titled OTSCOTS(Operation take the streets children off the streets). My second project is on youth skill acquisition/Agriculture. My Third project would be projecting Cross River State and Nigeria at large as a tourist State and Country by traveling to different places while doing documentaries…
Who are your role models and mentors?
My dad, Naomi Campbell, and Catriona Gray
Tell us more about yourself and your background
My name is Emmanuella Asu, I’m from Boki LGA in Cross River State,I grew up with very protective, strict, loving Christian parents, I lost my mum when I was 7 and that changed me. I grew up comfortable because my dad was hardworking and a doting father to me though very strict with my brothers the short time I spent with my mum I know she was hardworking and more strict with me, I’m from a Christian home filled with so much love which helped me overcome my mum’s death and other issues I’ve had so far.
Related
Interviews
“The Secret Of My Success As Classic Queen International’s Top Model”- Racheal George
Published
2 years agoon
December 11, 2022“The Secret Of My Success As Classic Queen International’s Top Model”- Racheal George
Sahara Weekly Reports That Delectable Racheal George believes the future holds out for those who believe in the future of their dreams. She dared to pursue her dream as a beauty queen in Classic queen International pageantry where she emerged 2nd runner up. In this exclusive interview, she opened up on her life, success story, and future plans…
Can you tell me about yourself and your background?
My name is Racheal George, I’m 27 years old and I’m a graduate of Crawford university, I studied political science and international relations, and I served in 2018//2019.
I own a logistics business and I decided to go into pageantry. My first pageant was CQI and I came out 2nd runner-up.
Can you tell us how your journey into pageantry started?
How my journey into pageantry started is quite interesting, I usually follow pageantry like Miss World, and Miss Universe on television. So I loved it and I Normally tell myself I will go for this someday. I have never done pageantry before but I just knew that I love watching pageantry and I do tell myself I will go into something like this one day. So this year 2022, someone told me about a pageant called CQI. I said to myself that I was going to give it a try then that was how I went for the CQI competition because It is something I have always wanted to do, I gave my best in the camp and I was open to learning and I was always giving it my best during the rehearsal. I gave it my best at the finals and although it was something I wanted to give a try to know if I’m capable. So I did. Although it was not an easy journey, I put in a lot of hard work and was happy it ended well. I came out 2nd runner-up as CQI’s top model and I was grateful because I decided to give it a try, it was a success.
How did you feel emerging classic Queen?
I felt really good knowing I gave it a try and also put in my best and it ended well
What stands you out among others?
I will say my personality because I wasn’t the best at camp but I know I comported myself and was humble because I believe that as a beauty Queen, you should portray a good character so others can follow.
\What is your source of inspiration?
My source of inspiration is when I see young people who are successful at what they do and I tell myself that one day I will become one of the most successful people in the world and be the best at what I do.
What are the challenges and how did you overcome them?
My challenges back then were that I’m a shy person and I do normally have stage fright and I’m not really outspoken but going for this competition has helped me build myself to what I’m now, I can boldly say I can talk confidently now and I’m no longer shy and I’m able to interact with people.
What’s the pet project you plan to work on as Classic Queen Top Model?
As Classic Queen’s top model, the pet project I plan to work on is helping the less privileged because while growing up, I have been passionate about helping the less privileged by giving to the poor and making sure they have a roof under their head and donating to orphanage home is what I plan to do as my pet project.
What’s the secret of your success?
The secret of my success is putting in hardwork in whatever I’m doing and I’m always open to learning.
Who is your mentor or role model in pageantry
My role model in pageantry is Queen Tosin Adeduro. I have been watching her since she went for miss tourism Nigeria and she became the winner. She is representing Nigeria in miss tourism world 2020 and she came out 4th runner up. All I can see is dream comes true if you believe you can do it.
Related
Trending
-
news6 months ago
PROFILE OF VICTORIA AKAI
-
society7 months ago
$87m Theft Case: Abayomi Oluwasesan, Wife Re-arrested, Remanded In Prison As Court Demands Stringent Bail Conditions (Video)
-
Business6 months ago
Afriq Arbitrage System Slams $10 million Lawsuit Against Micheal Okoh, Prince Humble Eteng, Hajj Ibrahim, Engineer Awajioma and Others (Video)
-
Business5 months ago
Maxwell Opara Goofed Says AAS Investors As They Stand By Jesam Michael, Demand For Justice
You must be logged in to post a comment Login