June 12: Anyaoku leads patriots, activists to Abiola’s tomb, lays wreath

Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations on Wednesday, led some eminent leaders in the Patriots and pro-democracy activists to the tomb of the late Chief MKO Abiola to pay tributes.

Anyaoku, in company of retired Maj.-Gen. Ike Nwachukwu, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Prof. Anthony Kila, Mr Wale Okunniyi and others, eulogised the patriotism of Abiola and his strong belief in the welfare of the people.

“It is a great pleasure and honour for us to be here to remember the late Bashorun MKO.

“I had the privilege of visiting him two times during his detention. Our conversation lasted 1 hour and 15 minutes, he showed me he was a true Nigerian patriot.

“He (Abiola) was a clearly undisputable winner of the election that was annulled.

“The man who would have been our president lies here. We recognise his contributions to the development of our country.

“I was indescribably shock about his death. He died when people were looking forward to seeing him released.

“He was a great leader that Nigeria never had. May his soul rest in perfect peace,” he said.

Anyaoku said that Abiola was a true leader of all sections of the country, a democrat who believed in democracy, urging all to continue to struggle for democracy.

“I believe it is only through a new people’s democratically made constitution that we will be able to live up to the hopes and to the belief represented by Chief MKO Abiola,” he said.

Also speaking, Nwachukwu, who served twice as Foreign Minister of Nigeria during the military regime of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, and as a senator, said that Abiola had a huge passion for the people