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Abubakar Pursued Abiola’s Release Before His Death – Obasanjo

June 13, 2026 by admin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday disclosed that former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), was actively working to secure the release of June 12, 1993 presidential election winner, Chief MKO Abiola, before Abiola’s sudden death in detention. He revealed that Abiola’s son, Kola, was already in Abuja to take his father home when news of his death broke. Obasanjo made the disclosure at the public presentation of three books in honour of Abubakar’s 84th birthday, themed “The Legacy of a Statesman @84,” held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and attended by President Bola Tinubu as Special Guest of Honour. Describing the events surrounding Abiola’s case, he revealed details of private conversations he had with Abubakar during the period. “Your next move was how to get MKO Abiola released and you kept me regularly informed, and also related messages to the family. “Kola was already in Abuja to pick up his father when the unexpected happened. “I remember you telling me on the telephone, ‘our man is dead,’” Obasanjo said. Describing Abubakar as “a great military leader, an officer and a gentleman, a patriot, a nationalist and a peacemaker,” Obasanjo recounted how the former Head of State steadied the nation in the immediate aftermath of Gen. Sani Abacha’s death in June 1998, and moved quickly to defuse the political crisis surrounding Abiola’s continued detention. “You sagaciously managed the seeming confusion and uncertainty that followed Abacha’s death. You emerged from the cloud and carefully proceeded to untangle the nation. Political prisoners were released, and I was. “As has been said by the President of the Senate, the National Assembly is a beneficiary of that,” Obasanjo said. The former President also credited Abubakar with initiating and sustaining Nigeria’s return to democratic governance, noting the speed with which the transition was accomplished. “Within less than one year of your taking office, we had democracy restored,” he said. Speaking earlier at the event, former President Goodluck Jonathan described Abubakar as “a remarkable statesman with a lifetime of dedication to the service of the nation and humanity,” and recounted his role in guiding Nigeria through a peaceful transition to civilian rule. Jonathan commended the former Head of State for what he described as uncommon courage and selflessness in promoting peace and progress in Nigeria, as well as his continued advocacy for peace in the years since leaving office, a legacy, he said, measured not by the number of years in office but by the achievements recorded. He further praised Abubakar for stabilising Nigeria’s democracy and for resisting any pressure to remain in office longer than necessary, describing it as a defining act of statesmanship. The former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, formally introduced the Abdulsalami Abubakar African Resource Centre to the gathering, the initiative for which President Tinubu, in his remarks, directed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to allocate land along the Airport Road in Abuja, with the Federal Government committing to fund its construction. Saturday’s event featured the public presentation of three books: ‘Call of Duty: An Autobiography of Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,’ with a foreword by former military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida; ‘Nigeria’s Grand Patriot: Gen. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar’; and ‘Mediating for Peace in Africa: A Festschrift in Honour of Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar,’ reviewed by Professor Ibrahim Gambari, CFR. The programme was chaired by former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon, GCFR, and featured a keynote address on “Democratic Transition and Peace Building in Africa: The Place of General Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar,” delivered by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Abubakar became Nigeria’s 11th Head of State following Abacha’s death on June 8, 1998, after the Provisional Ruling Council elected him over Lt-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi in a vote he describes in his autobiography. Abiola, who had been detained since 1994 after declaring himself president based on his landslide victory in the annulled June 12, 1993 election, died in custody on July 7, 1998, just over a month after Abubakar assumed office. Abubakar went on to oversee a transition programme that handed over power to President Olusegun Obasanjo on May 29, 1999.

Nigeria Needs Local, International Investments — Obasanjo

October 8, 2025 by admin

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Tuesday said Nigeria needs local and international investments to progress. The former president stated this while commissioning the newly constructed Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, describing it as a world-class facility capable of positioning the state as a major hub for investment and tourism in Nigeria. Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Obasanjo commended the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed for the initiative, noting that the project was a testament to the state’s vision for growth and global relevance. “With what we have, we can show the world that we are part and parcel of it,” Obasanjo said. “What others have and pride themselves on is not more than what we have. Some people don’t even have half of what we have. This world-class centre can be developed and made one of the tourist attractions in Nigeria”, he added. The former president added that the newly commissioned facility would promote interaction, tourism, and business engagements, stressing that the state could leverage it to attract both local and international investors. “Not only are we commissioning this, but we are also starting with a conference to talk about investment. What do we need in Nigeria today? We need to mobilise investments from local and international sources,” Obasanjo said. “I will go anywhere with the governor to get investments for Bauchi State,” he said. A view of the newly commissioned Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, Bauchi State. | Credit: Umar Sani. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm handled the project, described the facility as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership” of Governor Bala Mohammed. “This incredible facility sits on 10,000 square metres and can accommodate 3,000 people at once.” “Every square metre of granite used in this facility was sourced from Bauchi State. That shows the abundance of natural resources available here, ”Okoya explained. A view of the newly commissioned Sir Ahmadu Bello International Conference Centre in Bauchi, Bauchi State. | Credit: Umar Sani. Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Architectronix Nigeria Limited, Ruben Okoya, whose firm handled the project, described the facility as “a masterpiece conceived, initiated, and completed under the visionary leadership” of Governor Bala Mohammed. “This incredible facility sits on 10,000 square metres and can accommodate 3,000 people at once.” “Every square metre of granite used in this facility was sourced from Bauchi State. That shows the abundance of natural resources available here, ”Okoya explained. According to him, the centre boasts five main halls that can host up to ten separate events simultaneously. He said the facility also features an outdoor event space with a capacity of 2,500 people, a mosque, solar power installations, standby generators, and full internet connectivity. Okoya appealed to the Federal Government to consider hosting future national events, including the Nigeria Oil and Gas Summit, in Bauchi State, given its status as an oil-producing region and its new infrastructural capacity. He said, “This project is 100 per cent locally executed.” “It was built by local engineers and contractors, showing that when leaders believe in local capacity, great things happen,” Okoya added. He further recalled that the project’s foundation was laid in March 2021 by Professor Zulum, then a guest of the Bauchi State Government, and expressed satisfaction that the vision had now become a reality. The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, captains of industry, and international guests, all of whom hailed the project as a milestone achievement in Bauchi State’s drive toward modernisation and economic transformation. Bauchi State Government approved N6.5bn for the dualisation of a 7.5-kilometre township road in Misau Local Government Area. The dualisation of the Misau township road is part of Bauchi State’s broader push to upgrade road infrastructure, improve connectivity, and reduce traffic accidents on key routes. Misau, a major commercial hub and transit town along the Bauchi–Azare highway, has long faced traffic congestion and frequent road mishaps due to the narrowness of its main artery.

Rivers Denies Reports Of Obasanjo, PANDEF Visit To Fubara

March 18, 2025 by admin

The Rivers State Government has debunked social media reports that former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and a delegation of the Pan Niger Delta Forum paid a visit to the state governor, Similarly, Fubara, last Sunday. The state government said the claim was malicious from those trying to cause chaos and lawlessness in the state, describing it as fake news. This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Nelson Chukwudi, in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. Chukwudi said the claims do not deserve a response but for the impression it may create in the minds of the public, insisting that neither Obasanjo nor a delegation by PANDEF visited the state Government House. The statement read, “Our attention has been drawn to a malicious post circulating on social media, claiming that a delegation of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum paid a Solidarity Visit on Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in Government House on Sunday, March 16, 2025. There is also another planted by some people bent on causing chaos and anarchy in the State, alleging that former President Olusegun Obasanjo, paid a visit to the Governor in Government House, Port Harcourt. “Ordinarily, we would not have responded to these spurious claims and obvious fake news on social media, but for the erroneous impression they may create on the minds of gullible and unsuspecting members of the public, and indeed, well-meaning Rivers people. For that reason, let it be clarified that there was no such visit by any delegation of PANDEF to Governor Fubara on the said date, neither did Chief Obasanjo visit him as claimed by our detractors. “So, whatever the purveyors of the vexatious narratives are pushing on social media are only the imagination of enemies of the state, who do not want peace, good governance and even development that the present administration has been working hard to bequeath to the present and future generations. The governor has made it abundantly clear that he would comply and implement, to the fullest, the judgment of the Supreme Court on the political crisis in the State. “He has already initiated processes to ensure that orders of the apex court are implemented, but the Rivers State House of Assembly has refused to cooperate with the governor to facilitate the resolution of all issues raised by the court. As stated earlier, the governor is ready any day, any time to do the needful to ensure the resolution of the issues and smooth functioning of all arms of government in the state.” Punch

Makinde Receives Condolence Visit From Obasanjo, Arapaja, PDP NWC Over Brother’s Demise•••As PDP National Working Committee Promises To Resolve Internal Conflicts

January 30, 2025 by admin

IBADAN – Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Thursday joined many distinguished personalities that paid a condolence visit to Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde over the death of his elder brother, Engineer Sunday Makinde. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo arrived Governor Makinde private residence in Ibadan at the early hours of Thursday to sympathise with the bereaved Governor and the entire Makinde family. Recall that Engineer Sunday Makinde, aged 65, passed away on January 24, 2025. Similarly, the National Working Committee (NWC)) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by the National Deputy Chiarman of the party, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja paid Governor Makinde a condolence visit. During their visit, the Committee briefed the Governor about the rancour that erupted at the party’s national secretariat yesterday (Wednesday). They also maintained that the rancour will soon be resolved. While speaking, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja gave the assurance while reacting to the rancour, he described it as internal crisis which is expected to happen in such a big political party as PDP. He however assured party members that the rancour will be settled for the benefit and betterment of Nigerians ahead next general elections. In his condolence message, Ambassador Arapaja said that the late Engineer Sunday Makinde lived a fulfilled life which could be seen in Governor Makinde. Arapaja, the former deputy governor of Oyo State, prayed God to grant the deceased eternal life and grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss. The new secretary of the party, Udeh Okoye, were among the NWC that came to commiserate with Governor Makinde.

Anti-Corruption War Must Begin From The Top, Says Obasanjo

December 9, 2024 by admin

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has insisted that Nigeria’s battle against corruption can only be effective and successful if it begins with accountability among top government officials. The former president argued that tackling corruption at the highest levels of leadership would set an example for others and demonstrate the government’s commitment to transparency and integrity. Obasanjo spoke on Sunday night during an interactive session on Zoom tagged “Boiling Point Arena.” The conversation which was aired by some private radio stations in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, focussed on Obasanjo’s legacies in government and his assessment of today’s Nigeria. Obasanjo described corruption as hydra-headed and one that has eaten deep into the fabric of Nigerian society, emphasising that the fight against corruption must start with leadership for it to succeed. “The best way of fighting corruption is starting from the head, that is where corruption has to be fought from,” Obasanjo said. The former President also submitted that the fight against corruption must be a consistent and daily affair to nip it in the bud. He added, “Corruption is very hydra-headed and eats deep. I think it was the Sultan of Sokoto, the father of the present Sultan, who said corruption is like a ‘babariga’; if you are folding it on one side, it’s falling apart on the other side. When you carry it on both sides, you cannot hold your hands up and as soon as you put your hands down, it’s falling apart. And that’s corruption. “It’s not a one-day affair. It’s not a one-regime affair. It’s not even a two-regime affair. It has to be consistent. It has to be continual. It has to be a daily affair. Once one regime is let off, it spreads.” He called for a change in the recruitment and appointment of leaders into public offices, insisting that political appointments must be made on merit rather than political or tribal basis. Speaking on leadership, he said self-made leaders or those enthroned by Satan are bound to fail. He insisted that only God makes a leader, and whoever he enthroned would succeed. “So I will say most leaders are prepared by God and they put in place by God and when that happens the chances of success are higher than when you make yourself a leader which may not be the act of God. “And again people saying all leaders are made by God, I don’t accept that. A leader can also be made by Satan. In the case of Job, you can remember Satan was going up and down and went before God and God was commending Job but Satan said Job was upright to God because he has gotten from God.

Ladoja Shares Astonishing Details About Obasanjo’s Involvement In His Impeachment

October 6, 2024 by admin

Senator Ladoja, a seasoned politician in Ibadan, has made headlines for his candid revelations about his tumultuous past. Recently, on a radio show, he exposed the significant role former President Obasanjo played in his impeachment as governor of Oyo State in January 2006. Ladoja’s account highlighted Obasanjo’s vendetta against him due to his opposition to the third term agenda. This wasn’t the first time Ladoja shared this story; he had previously spoken about it during his 75th birthday celebration in 2019. Ladoja’s narrative vividly captures the tense encounter with Obasanjo. He recalled telling the former president, “You just came out of prison and had no money… let God decide the next president.” Obasanjo reportedly appreciated Ladoja’s honesty but later denied seeking a third term. However, Ladoja insisted that Obasanjo did indeed pursue a third term. The aftermath of Ladoja’s meeting with Obasanjo was ominous. Gbenga Daniel, then-governor of Ogun State, warned Ladoja that Obasanjo vowed to make him a “nobody” . This ominous warning materialized when Ladoja was impeached in January 2006, only to be reinstated 11 months later following a grueling legal battle. Ladoja’s political journey is marked by resilience and determination. He rose to prominence as a successful businessman and politician. He served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 and briefly in 2007. Ladoja’s impeachment was a contentious issue, with many questioning its legitimacy. The Appeal Court in Ibadan declared the impeachment null and illegal in November 2006, paving the way for his reinstatement. Throughout his career, Ladoja has demonstrated unwavering commitment to his principles. His opposition to Obasanjo’s third term agenda, despite potential repercussions, showcases his courage . As Ladoja navigated the complex landscape of Nigerian politics, he encountered numerous challenges. His tenure as governor was marked by power struggles with influential figures like late Baba Lamidi Adedibu. Despite these obstacles, Ladoja remains a respected figure in Nigerian and Oyo state politics. His legacy extends beyond his tenure as governor, with many acknowledging his contributions to the development of Oyo State. In August 2024, Ladoja received a ceremonial beaded crown from the reigning Olubadan and the Government of Oyo State, solidifying his position as a revered leader in Ibadan. This honor underscores his enduring influence and dedication to public service.

Abubakar Pursued Abiola’s Release Before His Death – Obasanjo

Nigeria Needs Local, International Investments — Obasanjo

Rivers Denies Reports Of Obasanjo, PANDEF Visit To Fubara

Makinde Receives Condolence Visit From Obasanjo, Arapaja, PDP NWC Over Brother’s Demise•••As PDP National Working Committee Promises To Resolve Internal Conflicts

Anti-Corruption War Must Begin From The Top, Says Obasanjo

Ladoja Shares Astonishing Details About Obasanjo’s Involvement In His Impeachment

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