By Aderemi Bamgbose
Sen. Nicholas Tofowomo, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said former Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, must not use his revelation that the late business mogul, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola won the June 12 1993 Presidential election to just raise funds for his presidential library, but he offer a deep and sincere apology to Nigerians for the pain caused by the annulment of the election.
“Until he tenders an unreserved apology, the foundation of that library remains tainted. Anyone seeking to build a national library must have clean hands,” Tofowomo said
Babangida, at the launch of his book titled ‘A Journey in Service’ on Thursday in Abuja, admitted that Abiola won the election.
Babangida, however, cited certain conditions for the annulment, which has remained a controversial issue in Nigeria’s political history.
Tofowomo, who represented Ondo South Senatorial District in the 9th National Assembly, told NAN on Friday in Okitipupa that Babangida should not just acknowledge the annulment in his book.
He insisted that Babangida must offer a public apology rather than simply reflecting on the incident for the sake of his book launch.
The senator noted that millions of naira were wasted on the election, and many Nigerians suffered pain and agony, with several lives lost due to the annulment.
He further stated that the annulment disrupted the country’s political landscape, adding that Nigeria might have been in a better state if Abiola had been declared the winner and allowed to govern.
“Tofowomo expressed gratitude that Babangida finally admitted that Abiola won the election, saying the annulment was not only a sin against humanity but against all Nigerians.
“Babangida must not use this revelation to raise funds for a presidential library. He needs to offer a deep and sincere apology to Nigerians for the pain caused.
“Until he tenders an unreserved apology, the foundation of that library remains tainted. Anyone seeking to build a national library must have clean hands,” he said.
Tofowomo added that as a senator of the Federal Republic, he would not enter the library if it was built on a faulty foundation.
He revealed that Babangida’s wife, Mariam, was a family friend of his mother, making the former leader close to his family. However, he insisted this was about Nigerians, who deserve an apology.
He stressed that Babangida’s apology was necessary for Nigerians to fully forgive him and move forward, as the annulment set the country back many years.
The former Ondo State Commissioner for Transportation noted that Babangida did not only offend Abiola but also other politicians, including senators-elect who were never sworn in.
Tofowomo urged the Federal Government to set up a committee to assess the full impact of the annulment and recommend compensation for all aggrieved parties.
He added that until all these issues were addressed, it was not yet uhuru for Babangida, and the pain inflicted on Nigerians over the annulment would not be forgotten.
(NAN)
