Former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, has called on the government to provide adequate support for the family of the late Moshood Abiola, popularly known as MKO Abiola.
Yuguda made this statement while speaking in an interview with Arise News on Friday, where he emphasized the immense sacrifices Abiola made in his fight for democracy in Nigeria. According to the former governor, it is only fair that the government recognizes and supports the family of the late politician who gave everything, including his life, for the democratic progress of the nation.
This appeal comes in the wake of recent revelations made by former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) in his autobiography, A Journey In Service, where he confirmed that Abiola had indeed won the June 12, 1993, presidential election before it was controversially annulled by his administration.
Yuguda underscored the significance of Abiola’s contributions, stating that he was not just a politician but a philanthropist, a patriot, a father, and even a traditional ruler who dedicated his life to the betterment of Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to remember Abiola’s legacy and for the government to take steps in ensuring his family is not neglected.
In his words: “We knew that Abiola fought for the democracy of this country. He was a philanthropist. He was a father. He was a traditional ruler. And he was a patriot. But, like I said, he did contribute his own quota to fighting for democracy, trying to make Nigeria a democratic nation. But in the process, himself and quite a number of others, destiny had it that that was going to be the termination of their life on earth.”
Yuguda went on to state that while no one could question God’s decision regarding Abiola’s fate, it is only just that his sacrifices be acknowledged. “I cannot question God as to why he decided to take Abiola at that time and so on. So the issue is that does he deserve something with his family? I think he does. Of course, we should have a sense of compassion. And no matter what, for everything there is a price. If he gave his own life for democracy and that’s the way he ended, apparently we have to be sympathetic to what he has done to the nation because he was not fighting for himself as Abiola. He was fighting for the nation, Nigeria, to be a free nation and to elect leaders through a democratic process.”
He further called on the government to take tangible steps in recognizing Abiola’s contributions through actions that would benefit his family. “So I feel very strongly whatever that the government can do to the family is justified. It should do something at least, no matter how small, symbolic, so that he can support the family as they continue managing their life on earth.”
This statement has sparked discussions among Nigerians on social media, with many expressing their opinions on whether the government should provide direct support to the Abiola family or honor his legacy in other ways, such as institutional recognition and national commemorations.
MKO Abiola remains a revered figure in Nigerian history, having won what is widely regarded as the country’s freest and fairest election. His legacy continues to be celebrated, especially on June 12, which has been officially recognized as Democracy Day in Nigeria.