Jamiu Abiola, son of democracy icon MKO Abiola, asserted on June 12 that Nigeria’s economy would have thrived had his father assumed the presidency in 1993. Speaking at Channels Television’s Democracy Day forum, he cited the global economic boom of the 1990s as a missed opportunity, criticizing the subsequent military rule under Sani Abacha. Jamiu also accused unnamed actors of attempting to erase MKO’s legacy, prompting his 2015 book, The President Who Never Ruled. In 2018, MKO was posthumously awarded Nigeria’s highest honor, GCFR, by former President Buhari.
• Jamiu linked Nigeria’s economic potential to MKO’s thwarted presidency during a 1990s global boom.
• He condemned Abacha’s kleptocratic regime without delving into specifics, citing historical sensitivities.
• The 2015 book aimed to preserve MKO’s legacy amid perceived efforts to rewrite Nigerian history.
What does it mean for a nation to mourn not just a leader, but the future he symbolized? Jamiu’s lament transcends personal loss; it mirrors Nigeria’s recurring narrative of "what could have been." The 1993 election, annulled by the military junta, remains a watershed moment, raising questions about historical accountability and the selective celebration of heroes. Why does Nigeria struggle to reconcile its democratic ideals with its governance realities? The GCFR award, while symbolic, underscores how official recognition often lags behind public memory. For Nigerians, this isn’t just about MKO; it’s a referendum on how the nation honors its promises.
• Can symbolic gestures like posthumous awards truly address historical injustices?
• How might Nigeria’s trajectory differ if MKO had led during the 1990s economic boom?
Sources:
Channels Television, Daily Post
