Taiwo POPOOLA
Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that the late MKO Abiola refused to sell his presidential mandate to the late former military Head of State, Sani Abacha.
Oshiomhole disclosed this during a lecture on June 12 titled “June 12 and Beyond,” which focused on the development of democracy and security issues.
The event took place in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.
Oshiomhole said he was part of a group from the Nigeria Labour Congress that met with Abacha in Abuja after the June 12 election was cancelled.
“General Abacha told us he was ready to tolerate anything and do anything for MKO Abiola.
“The one thing he was not ready to tolerate was the idea that Abiola had proclaimed himself President of Nigeria,” Oshiomhole said.
He said that even though there was pressure from government officials and middlemen, Abiola would not give up the responsibility given to him by the people of Nigeria.
“He told those who sent us that he was elected President of Nigeria and would not sell the mandate entrusted to him by the Nigerian people,” he said.
Oshiomhole said Abiola’s actions showed bravery, love for his country, and a willingness to put others before himself.
He pointed out that Abiola didn’t give in and stood firm, even though many Nigerians had voted for him and made big sacrifices.
The senator encouraged young Nigerians to learn from June 12, calling Abiola a symbol of unity who won in a way that went beyond differences in ethnicity and religion.
Oshiomhole noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to accelerating constitutional reforms to create state police forces.
“The President is really committed to moving quickly and getting the state police amendment passed.
“He has clearly told us to get it done, but he can’t just make it happen on his own,” he said.
