Jamiu Abiola, son of the late Chief Moshood Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, has stated that probing former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, over his father’s death is unnecessary.
In an exclusive interview with Sunday PUNCH, Jamiu explained that too much time has passed for such an investigation to be effective, as many key figures involved in the June 12 tragedy are no longer alive.
“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,” he said.
Missed Opportunity for Probe
Jamiu further noted that if a probe had been necessary, the best time for it would have been during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s second term, when Nigeria’s democracy was more stable, and many key individuals involved were still alive to provide accurate accounts.
He urged those seeking more information about the annulment and its surrounding events to read his book, The President Who Never Ruled, which offers detailed insights into the period.
“It (the book) will let you know exactly what happened during the annulment and why it happened,” he stated, adding that readers should approach it with a mindset of understanding rather than seeking revenge.
The Best Way to Honor Abiola’s Legacy
According to Jamiu, the best way to compensate the Abiola family is for Nigerians to uphold the values of unity and national cohesion that were demonstrated on June 12, 1993.
“The best way to compensate our family is for Nigerians to adopt the same attitude they had on June 12, 1993 — rejecting tribalism and religious differences in leadership selection and seeing themselves as one family, regardless of their states of origin,” he explained.
He emphasized that the nation should focus on transformation rather than division, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s call for national unity.
“By so doing, they will be heeding the call of President Bola Tinubu to shun ethnicity and transform Nigeria from a country into a unified nation,” he added.
Eternal Rewards Over Worldly Honors
While acknowledging that any honors bestowed upon his late parents would be appreciated, Jamiu expressed his belief that such recognition pales in comparison to the eternal rewards they are already enjoying.
“Any worldly honor 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. Meanwhile, every single one of those who cheated and killed them will burn in hell forever and ever by the special grace of God,” he declared.
