Abiola's children lament waning fortunes of Nigerians
From Charles Coffie-Gyamfi, Abeokuta
FALLING standard of living in Nigeria at the weekend dominated speeches by some children of the late acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.
Those who spoke at the event in Abeokuta, Ogun State to mark the 11th anniversary of the controversial polls were Miss Hafsat Abiola and Jamiu Abiola.
Hafsat, who was however, happy with the return of democracy to the country, said that Nigerians were yet to enjoy the dividends of civil rule.
She said the family would only be convinced that its breadwinner did not die in vain if government at all levels work to improve the living standard of Nigerians.
She, however, urged Nigerians to be patient with the government in the interest of national stability, saying that the country has a great future.
Hafsat, at a Moslem prayer at the late Abiola's Sabo residence said: "Our governments both at the Federal and state levels are not doing enough. They (government) should make things work for Nigerians".
Singling out Ogun State government, which its performance, she said, had been outstanding, Hafsat said: "The governments should focus on poverty reduction".
According to her, the ordinary Nigerians are not responsible for the mess in the country and should not be made to pay for it.
Her words: "I feel inadequate to welcome you to this ceremony but it gives me joy that some people are still appreciating the contributions our father made towards a better Nigeria.
"Even if he (Abiola) was installed as president for the two-terms of eight years, his tenure would have ended three years ago", she said.
Hafsat recalled that her father was a kind-hearted Nigerian who impacted positively on lives of several people. "We lost a jewel, a precious jewel in the family", she noted.
She appealed to Governor Gbenga Daniel to immortalise the business mogul who was arrested and detained in 1993 by the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha for declaring himself president on the basis of the June 12 polls who later died in detention.
Jamiu, in his brief remarks stated that the fact that there was a democratic system in Nigeria gave the Abiola family great joy.
Daniel, in his speech insisted that it could not be denied that what Nigerians were enjoying from the current democratic system was as a result of the supreme sacrifice of Abiola and his late wife, Kudirat.
He said that Abiola was a detribalised Nigerian and a harmless politician who lived for all. He assured that the road leading to Abiola's house would be tarred very soon.
Some of the dignitaries at the occasion were the Deputy Governor, Alhaja Salmot Badru; House of Assembly Speaker, Mrs. Titi Oseni; Chief Titi Ajanaku, Iyalode of Egbaland; Chief Alaba Lawson, Dr. Gbenga Obasanjo,
Son of President Obasanjo; Alhaji Sule Onabiyi and representatives of the National Association of Nigeria Students (NANS).
