Jamiu Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election, has dismissed calls for an investigation into the role of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, in the annulment of the historic election and the events leading to his father’s death.
In an interview with Punch, Jamiu argued that pursuing such a probe at this stage is unnecessary, as many key figures involved in the June 12 crisis have already passed away.
“There is no need for prosecution or probe. So many years have passed, and most of the good and bad actors in the June 12 tragedy are no longer alive,” he stated.
He noted that the most appropriate time for such an inquiry would have been during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable, and many of those involved were still alive to provide firsthand testimonies.
Jamiu Recommends His Book for Historical Insight
For those still seeking a deeper understanding of the election annulment and its aftermath, Jamiu pointed to his book, The President Who Never Ruled, as a comprehensive source of information.
“The book will let you know exactly what happened during the annulment and why it happened,” he said, urging Nigerians to approach history with a quest for truth rather than a desire for revenge.
Honouring the Abiola Legacy Through National Unity
Rather than focusing on political probes, Jamiu emphasized that the best way to honour the memory of his late father and mother, Kudirat Abiola, is through fostering national unity and patriotism. He called on Nigerians to embrace the spirit of June 12, 1993, by rejecting tribal and religious divisions when choosing their leaders.
“The best way to compensate our family is for Nigerians to embrace the attitude they adopted on June 12, 1993. That means rejecting tribalism and religious divisions when electing leaders and seeing themselves as one, regardless of state or ethnicity,” he said.
He also echoed President Bola Tinubu’s appeal for national cohesion, urging Nigerians to work towards transforming the country into a truly united nation.
“By doing this, Nigerians will heed President Tinubu’s call to shun ethnicity and transform Nigeria from a country to a nation,” Jamiu emphasized.
Divine Justice Over Worldly Punishments
While he acknowledged that any posthumous honours given to his parents would be appreciated, Jamiu maintained that their ultimate reward lies beyond this world.
“Any worldly honour given to them is definitely welcome, but believe it or not, it will be only a drop in the ocean compared to what they are enjoying right now,” he remarked.
However, he expressed confidence that those responsible for his parents’ suffering would eventually face divine judgment.
“Every single one of those who cheated and killed them will burn in hell forever and ever by the special grace of God,” he concluded.
Jamiu’s statements have reignited discussions about the lingering impact of the June 12 annulment and how best to preserve the legacy of Chief MKO Abiola—a man whose struggle for democracy continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape.
