By Baron Ike
Two former Nigeria leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida apologised for their absence at the investiture ceremony of posthumous award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola.
Abiola and his running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe as well as human rights crusader, Gani Fawehinmi were honoured in the event that attracted many dignitaries. Kingibe and Fawehinki were awarded Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Obasanjo and Babangida’s apology letters indicating their inability to attend were read just as that of the Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), Prof. Humphery Nwosu who conducted the freest and fairest election that produced Abiola was also read.
However, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara were also conspicuously absent at the event.
In Obasanjo’s apology letter, he indicated he was currently engaged outside the country while Babangida’s absence was health related. Nwosu was also reported being outside the country.
No message was reported as to why Saraki and Dogara did not attend.
Many who spoke commended Buhari for the decision he took to right the wrongs of June 12 annulment but advised that a repeat of such should never be allowed to happen again.