Jamiu Abiola, the son of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, has dismissed the idea of probing former military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, over the death of his father.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Jamiu stated that many years have passed since the tragic events of June 12, and most of the key figures involved are no longer alive. He emphasized that the window for such investigations has long passed, and the time for a probe would have been during the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable and more people could have provided accurate accounts of the situation.
“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 have passed away,” Jamiu said.
He also highlighted his book, The President Who Never Ruled, as a valuable source for those seeking more information about the annulment of the election and the events surrounding it. However, he cautioned readers to approach the book with the intention of understanding the truth rather than seeking revenge.
Jamiu further explained that the best way to honor the Abiola family’s sacrifice is for Nigerians to embrace unity, reject tribalism, and elect leaders based on their qualifications rather than ethnic or religious lines. He expressed that such an attitude would reflect the values that were exemplified on June 12, 1993, and align with President Bola Tinubu’s call for national cohesion.
“I will not ask for more than that because to do so would bring down the high standing of Moshood and Kudirat Abiola following their unique sacrifice,” Jamiu stated. “They gave up their lives and will be rewarded with more than 500 million years in a place better than any castle in this world.”
While acknowledging that any recognition of his parents’ sacrifice is welcome, Jamiu emphasized that such honors would pale in comparison to the eternal reward his parents are believed to be enjoying. “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 and will continue enjoying,” he said.
