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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has revealed that former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, rtd, was facilitating the release of the June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, MKO Abiola before his death.
Obasanjo made this known on Saturday at the public presentation of three books in honour of General Abubakar’s 84th birthday, titled “The Legacy of a Statesman @84”, at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He described General Abdulsalami as a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker.
The ex-president equally highlighted General Abdulsalami’s role in managing the confusion and uncertainty following General Sani Abacha’s death.
He explained that Abdulsalami’s actions such as releasing political prisoners and facilitating MKO Abiola’s release should be commended.
“You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was.
“As has been said by the president of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that. Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released, and you kept me regularly informed and also related messages to the family.
“Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘Our man is dead,” Obasanjo said.
How Abdulsalami tried to secure release of MKO Abiola before his death — Obasanjo
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