MKO Abiola’s Son Asks Buhari To Probe Father’s Death

The winner of the 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola's son, Mr Abdul Abiola, has appealed to the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of his father.

The News Agency of Nigeria quoted the young Abiola as making the call via his Twitter handle, @AbdulMKO, on Tuesday.

He said it was time for Nigerians to know the truth concerning the circumstances that led to the death of his father, adding that the President should look into the archives.

This, he said, would help the President to unravel the mystery behind the death of the late MKO, stressing that it was only such move that would bring about justice.

“It’s time for the Nigerian people to know the truth as to what happened in the post-June 12, 1993 elections and also, what led to the death of MKO Abiola and Kudirat Abiola and other unsung heroes.

“I urge President Muhammadu Buhari to look into our country archives for justice to prevail,” he said.

Abiola won the June 12, 1993 presidential elections but his election was annulled by the then military dictator, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (retd.).

Abiola, however, declared himself as the President in what was called Epetedo declaration, but was subsequently arrested by the government of late Gen. Sani Abacha (retd.), the then Head of State.

He died in detention on July 7, 1998 during the regime of another Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar (retd.), about one month after Abacha’s death.

NAN reports that Buhari had also posthumously honoured Abiola with the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, which is the highest title in the land and the exclusive preserved of the President of Nigeria.

Buhari also declared June 12 as Democracy Day against May 29 which was the day it was being celebrated before.