Abiola Was Murdered - Kuta

By Wole Mosadomi, Vanguard Daily, 21 February 2001

Minna—MORE facts on what led to the death of Chief MKO Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election have been given by Senator Idris Ibrahim Kuta who said he (Abiola) was murdered because he vowed to probe the military if he eventually won the presidential election.

Senator Idris Kuta who is also regarded as close aide of former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who incidentally annulled the June 12 election said, when this information got to the miliary who are mostly his (Abiola) friends, they ganged up to scuttle his ambition by not allowing him enjoy the fruits of his labour. From all available reports, the late politician won the 1993 presidential election and eventually appointed the king but God did not turban him.

Senator Idris Kuta who was speaking as guest speaker at a workshop organised by the People's Democratic Institute for PDP-elected council chairmen and councillors in Niger, Kogi and Kwara states said the military was aware of the fact that late Abiola was part of them and would have made life difficult for them if he became president. Kuta who was the chairman of the probe panel which indicted former Senate President Chuba Okadigbo of financial impropriety also condemned those who are declaring Aso Villa and other government houses as not vacant saying this is very undemocratic.

Any president, governor, party leader or government official going about to say there is no vacancy in his office is being undemocratic, Senator Kuta declared. He said: instead of campaigning for themselves or trying to sit tight in office, they should allow their achievements speak for them, as this is a straight ticket for them. Speaking in a message to the workshop, national chairman of PDP, Chief Barnabas Gemade reiterated the party's commitment to wage war against corruption, stand up against anti-democratic forces and work towards a genuine national reconciliation.