Saburi Abiola, the younger brother of the late business magnate and victor of the June 12, 1993, election, Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, shares insights on how the family has been handling life 26 years after the demise of the former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party
How has the family been coping with MKO Abiola’s death after 26 years?
The hypothetical scenario where MKO Abiola would be alive today would have us caring for him; he would have been the country’s president. One can be so affluent that at some point, they desire their children and family members to care for them despite their wealth. This just demonstrates love; it doesn’t imply that such a person cannot provide for their children and family members, but it’s a natural expression of familial care.
From this standpoint, we should be tending to him (MKO Abiola) by now. We dearly miss him because he was a trailblazer. His life was marked by an incredible journey of struggles and eventual triumph, especially highlighted by his successful presidential bid that was tragically not allowed to come to fruition.
We miss him dearly; he was a pioneer, a deeply compassionate individual, and someone who transcended tribal differences. He continually sought the unity of his immediate and extended family, his community, and Nigeria at large. Anyone who encountered him had nothing but praises for his character. He was exceptional, and we are grateful for his impact.
Life moves forward, as they say. He was striving to elevate everyone towards greater heights, but fate intervened, and each of us had to find our own path following his passing. Some of us pursued different career paths – some in employment, others in business. We all had to navigate life after his demise, relying on ourselves as there was no longer his support to lean on. He was truly one-of-a-kind, a rarity in many families. He left behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, and more.
He gave his all, he achieved greatly, and now it’s up to us to carry on. However, it’s not to say we don’t require assistance because no one can succeed entirely on their own. We all need someone’s helping hand, and we are striving to lift ourselves so that others may support us. It’s not that we are idle; we are doing our best, but it’s often not enough, especially with the state of the economy in our country; this is a known challenge.
Thus, despite our continuous efforts, it might appear that we are stagnant due to our perceived wealth, which people still associate with us. For instance, I now work in the civil service, having previously been in banking. The difference in my lifestyle now compared to my banking days is stark, especially considering the current economic circumstances like the minimum wage situation in the country.
What impact did MKO Abiola have on the family?
When our father guided us towards education, we had the choice of selecting a secondary school after primary education. Some of my peers and I deliberated on which school to attend and ultimately chose Baptist Boys High School (MKO Abiola’s alma mater) over other options. We reasoned that if MKO Abiola attended this school, it must be excellent. So, we enrolled at Baptist Boys High School, influenced by his legacy.
We further pursued higher education, graduated, and served in the National Youth Service Corps in a bank, where we were retained. His life was a guiding light and a source of inspiration for us. He excelled academically at Baptist Boys High School and the University of Glasgow, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, among other qualifications. His life motivated us, and it surely inspired numerous others. I often hear Chief Dele Momodu speak highly of him now, acknowledging that while Abiola wasn’t perfect, his positive traits outweighed his flaws, a testament to his character.
How did the family react to the election annulment and his demise?
To comprehend our response, one must reflect on the events leading to the election. Our entire family was deeply involved in the electoral process; we were present at every phase. Even at a young age, I accompanied my siblings and him to various campaign events, including the Jos convention. The election day on June 12, 1993, was memorable and participative across the nation.
The atmosphere was ideal, but destiny had different plans; the election results were annulled, partly due to the actions of individuals like Chief Arthur Nzeribe, as well as other reasons cited by General Ibrahim Babangida, the then Head of State. Despite efforts, including those of the late Alhaja Kudirat Olayinka Abiola, the family’s matriarch, the outcome was disheartening. Her tragic demise afterward remains a painful memory, as she was a pillar of support not just for her own family but for the extended relatives as well.
Though we had lost Alhaja Simbiat (Abiola), the other wives also stood by his side, each contributing to his vision as he was someone you naturally wanted to rally behind and support. We had to come to terms with both the annulment and his passing as faithful Muslims, accepting Allah’s will. The journey was arduous, marked by national struggles and perseverance, culminating in the eventual recognition of June 12 as a significant date in our nation’s history.The full realization of it didn’t happen, but however it happened, we show our appreciation.
Former President Muhammad Buhari honored MKO Abiola with GCFR and declared June 12 as Democracy Day. Do you believe this is sufficient compensation for the family?
The foundation of democracy is built on the sacrifices of individuals like Chief MKO Abiola. While the recognition he received is commendable, there are still outstanding issues to address. Many of his businesses were destroyed by the past military regime. It is crucial to focus on revitalizing these enterprises to support his family. Efforts are being made, but additional support is needed from all quarters.
All the entitlements associated with the GCFR honor should have been fully granted, including clearing any debts owed to the late MKO’s companies. The status of these payments is unclear at present. MKO advocated for unity and the welfare of citizens, aiming to alleviate poverty.
The current and past administrations have made efforts, but governance is an ongoing process. Continued commitment is essential to reduce poverty and enhance the value of the nation’s currency. Economic diversification is imperative to bolster the economy.
Could the adoption of MKO Abiola’s manifestos by President Bola Tinubu help address some of the current challenges in the country?
While there are similarities between past and present scenarios, adapting effective strategies for the benefit of the majority is key. Every government should strive for the utmost success to set a positive foundation for the future. Progress should be continuous to avoid regression.
What lessons has Nigeria learned from June 12?
Progress has been made, but there is room for improvement. The electoral landscape has evolved since the 1993 elections, with a shift from a two-party to a multi-party system. Managing the complexities of a diverse political environment requires continuous enhancement. The country is advancing, but there is still potential for further growth and development.