It is exactly twenty five years ago that the winner of the historic June 12,1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola died.
The politician died in the midst of negotiations and discussion for his eventual release with a team of United States officials led by Secretary of state,Susan Rice and some Nigerian government officials nominated by the General Abdulsalams government when he reportedly coughed, collapsed and died after drinking a cup of tea served him during the meeting.
Remembering MKO Abiola : Thirty years after
General Abdusalam had a month earlier took over after the sudden death in office of dictator,General Sanni Abacha.
Abiola It will be recalled had contested the presidential election and won in what was considered to be the freest election in the country.
The election was conducted by the self- styled military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida after series of adjustments of his eight year transition programme.
However,Abiolas victory was annulled by the Babangida junta while he was also arrested after declaring himself president by the Sanni Abacha regime.
Abiolas sudden death sparked violent protests all over the country which led to casualties and destruction of life and properties.
His death threw the country into confusion.
The government later claimed he died of cardiac arrest.
One of his daughters Wura Abiola, on Friday wrote, “An awesome father & a great man. Remembered, missed and loved 25 years on.”
Nigerians are already sharing many memorable images of the late business tycoon as reminders of his exploits in politics and philanthropy.
