Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar(retd), has finally readdress longtime rumors surrounding late Moshood Abiola, MKO, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
Abubakar in an interview with Trust TV, noting that he smiles whenever he hears allegation that “they” killed Abiola.
He was ruler from 1998, when dictator, General Sani Abacha died, to 1999, when he handed over to democratically-elected Olusegun Obasanjo, OBJ.
In the interview, Abubakar said: “Well, I smile because there were lots of allegations here and there that we killed Abiola.
“As always, when I am talking about late Abiola, I still thank God for directing me on things to do when he gave me the leadership of this country.
“On the day Moshood Abiola passed away, may he rest in peace, two to three things make me always say I thank my God for the guidance He gave me.
“One was I received a delegation from America headed by Pickering, who was then, I think, the Secretary of State or so.
“In his team, I remember very well, was Susan Rice. I remember her very well because of the role she played later.
“So after the normal courtesy and discussion, when they were leaving my office, Pickering said: ‘Your Excellency, we made a request to see Moshood Abiola but we were denied’.
“I asked ‘Why were you denied? Who denied you?’ There and then I made a decision.
“I said ‘Look, you will see Moshood definitely, I overrule whoever said you cannot see him’.
“So I now called my chief security officer, I said ‘Please make arrangement for this team to see Abiola’.
“Now, during the incarceration of Moshood Abiola, except his personal doctor, to my knowledge, no member of his family saw him.