Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has hailed President Bola Tinubu as a loyal political ally of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election. In a statement released via his verified Twitter handle on Monday, Keyamo emphasized Tinubu’s unwavering support for Abiola throughout the years.
Accompanying the statement was a photo showcasing the late MKO Abiola, General Sani Abacha, who assumed power as the military Head of State following the annulment, and Tinubu, who would later become President three decades later. Keyamo, in his caption, bestowed the title of Abiola’s “political soldier” upon Tinubu.
Dated June 12, 2023, precisely three decades after the historic 1993 elections, Keyamo highlighted the significance of the day as Tinubu addressed the nation as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Reflecting on the occasion, Keyamo remarked, “Today, being June 12, 2023, which is exactly 30 years after the 1993 elections, one of the most faithful political ‘soldiers’ of the winner of that annulled election (Chief MKO Abiola) has just addressed the nation as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.”
The former minister went on to express his astonishment at the twists of fate that allowed two key figures to witness this momentous day. He acknowledged the preservation of the “evil genius,” referring to General Abacha, who annulled the election, and Abiola’s compatriot from Ota, Tinubu, who supported the annulment and subsequently played a significant role in the nation’s affairs.
Keyamo further commented, “In all of these, I have never seen a better scenario in the annals of our nation which fits the saying that life, indeed, has come full circle!”
Notably, June 12 is celebrated in Nigeria as Democracy Day, serving as a reminder of the country’s freest and fairest election, tragically overturned by the military in 1993, sparking widespread protests.
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