June 12 and OBJ

Some of us who were very involved in the struggle to actualise June 12 are aware of the sinister role played by President Obasanjo. For the sole beneficiary of a process that he was not an integral part of, not to have said some kind words about the man who laid down his life for that process, President Obasanjo has shown himself as the traitor of the process to move Nigeria forward. How can a human being be so stone-hearted as to wish MKO's sacrifice away?

President Obasanjo has enjoyed this apex position in the administration of Nigeria for five years and he has not for a moment let his conscience whisper to his head and for a moment in time acknowledge the role Moshood Kashimawo Abiola played in the Democratic process of the New Millenium Nigeria.

Yes, at a meeting held in The Bronx, New York, USA with the then General Olusegun Obasanjo (Rtd.) in 1993 shortly after the annulment and some few days before the infamous "Abiola is not a Messiah" statement, the General promised the organization, United Committee to Save Nigeria, that he would do everything within his power to assure that MKO became the president. I quote, " Abiola's mistake is that he said the North, instead of Babangida, is responsible for the annulment. He is forgetting that the poorest northerner owns a transistor radio to which he listens all the time. They heard his interview on BBC (Hausa editon) and that is why it might be difficult to make the northerners back him now. But, don't worry, if anyone can help him reverse the problem he brought on himself, that person is me."

When a member of my organization asked General Obasanjo - "Should Nigerians resort to rioting, what do you think will happen?" To this question, OBJ
retorted, "I told you I am the only one capable of resolving the issue, when I get to Nigeria, I will just call some Emirs, some Obas and Obis to do
something about it and that should stop any riot or disturbance and I promise you, I will do that when I get to Nigeria in a few days." We were unpleasantly surprised when, before he got to Nigeria he declared that "Abiola is not a Messiah."

I, as the Chairman as well as members of the United Committee to Save Nigeria, was so encouraged when he said he would resolve the stand-off and that all would be well. He promised to caution MKO about his pronouncements. On this note, I asked him if he would then be kind enough to assist in delivering the invitation card to celebrate the Victory. He was very impressed with the card and said, "Temi da?" Which means, where is mine? He said further, "How can I be your messanger and not be invited?" To this, I asked my coordinator to address a card to him. He also took the card for Babagana Kingibe, who sold out almost immediately after the annulment. I later had an opportunity to confront Kingibe in New Jersey at the colourful Zumunta Symposium celebrating Nigeria's Independence on October 1, 1994.

Since the time OBJ said MKO was no Messaih, I lost total respect for the man. Here was a man who just ate with us and promised to do his best to assist in re-instating the annulled elections, he not only changed his story, he never delivered the card! He was always envious of MKO. It was this same MKO that postrated for Professor Wole Soyinka on all fours to please support Obasanjo's bid to become the UN Secretary General when Professor Wole Soyinka thought Obasanjo would not be a suitable representative of Nigeria at the UN.

MKO at that time pleaded with Professor Wole Soyinka that OBJ would change and he (MKO) promised to do his best to canvass other luminaries to support him (OBJ). For a man who enjoyed total backing from MKO when he needed him most not to utter a word of praise for the departed soul of his benefactor, OBJ is like the biblical Judas Iscariot. Only God can change this Saul to Paul.

Colonel Abubakar Umar (Rtd.) wanted to know what happened to our roads; how come there are no jobs; why are people suffering etc. Our President only wants to inform us that he sought job from him and he refused. He remembered that a Colonel should not be rude to a General as if we care. He was eager to destroy Umar faster than he was willing to reason with sanity and actually leave a good legacy for posterity.

What is new? OBJ never owned up to anything for which he is responsible. In one book published by one of the military men, it was stated that while in training with the likes of the Black Scorpion Benjamin Adekunle, Obasanjo blew some spittle from his mouth and when the British Drill Sergent asked who did that, he kept mute. It was Adekunle that got a thorough beaten for the sin of Obasanjo! If a nation really gets the leader it deserves, then, we are in trouble since we got Obasanjo twice.

I know that activists are tough cookies and that there spirits are not easily broken and that is why I am sure Colonel Umar is up to the task of standing his ground even if he was a Colonel challenging the General. Of course, David was not of the same rank with Goliath. I have pitched my tent with the one that would not let me down. Colonel Umar, God is on your side and there I am also.