2019 Election: Nigerians must elect a credible leader, say Bakare, Abiola, others
AS the 2019 elections draw nearer, Serving Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, yesterday, urged the media to play prominent roles towards enthroning a credible leader that will take Nigeria out of the socio-economic and political doldrums.
Dr. Doyin Abiola, the wife of late Chief M.K.O Abiola, charged Nigerians not to allow what happened during the annulment of June 12, 1993, presidential election happen again.
The duo spoke, yesterday, during the presentation of three books by international journalist and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Chief Dele Momodu, in Lagos.
Lamenting the death of M.K.O. Abiola, the winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election, they also commended Chief Dele Momodu for his consistency, diligence, and perseverance in all that he has done for the service of his fatherland.
The presentation of the three books titled: “Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu Vol I, Pendulum: The Writings of Dele Momodu Vol II and Fighting Lions,’’ was to commemorate the 20th anniversary of MKO Abiola’s death and to also mark the 25th anniversary of the annulled June 12, 1993 election.
The first two books dealt with Momodu’s journalistic works over the past three decades.
The third book, ‘Fighting Lions,’ authored by Momodu’s presidential campaign manager in 2010, Ohimai Amaize, tells “the untold story of Momodu’s presidential campaign.”
The venue, Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos, became a Mecca of sorts as Momodu’s associates, friends, relatives and colleagues from all walks of life gathered to celebrate him.
Roll call
At the event were Pastor Tunde Bakare, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Femi Otedola, Olori Sijuade, Akin Osuntokun, Dr. Doyin Abiola, representatives of Alaafin of Oyo, Governor of Lagos State, Governor of Ogun State; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Chief Mike Adenuga.
Others included Rachael Oniga, Reuben Abati, Dare Babrinsa, Rasaq Okoya, Modupe Oguntade, Mr Simon Kolawole, Mr Olusegun Adeniyi, Ms Ijeoma Nwaogwugwu, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Mallam Bolaji Abdulahi, Fola Adeola, Rotimi Fashikin, Kayode Are and Mrs Mobolaji Momodu.
Bakare tasks media
In his keynote address entitled: ‘The pen is mightier than the sword, Pastor Tunde Bakare, the running mate to President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2011 presidential election, charged the media to play a prominent role in the 2019 election.
Bakare, who narrated how the fourth estate had used the pen to change many narratives in the world, fought many battles and engaged even the military in various dispensations, urged them to use their pen and make the difference in the country, pointing out that their discourse should centre on the welfare of the masses.
Nigerians allowed June 12 — Doyin Abiola
On her part, Dr. Doyin Abiola, who confessed that she never dreamt that this day would come, said June 12 happened because Nigerians allowed it.
She said: “My prayer is that we will not allow it to happen again.”
Speaking about her late husband, she said: “we must cherish what we have, we have the power to put people into power and also chase them out. We must not allow it to happen again.”
She described Dele Momodu as a true friend and loyal person who will always stand by your side in times of need.
We lost an opportunity in Abiola — Otedola
Also speaking, businessman, entrepreneur philanthropist, and chairman of Forte Oil PLC, Chief Femi Otedola commended the author for his doggedness especially in the writing of the books.
Otedola, who recalled how he met the late MKO Abiola in his school days, described the late business tycoon as a good father and a true Nigerian who accommodated all, pointing out that Nigeria lost the opportunity to be great with the annulment and eventual death of MKO Abiola.
“We lost the opportunity of becoming the Dubai of Africa,” he stated.
Adeniyi, Kolawole, Nwogwugwu review books
The books were reviewed by top media personalities Olusegun Adeniyi (PENDULUM Vol I), Simon Kolawole, publisher of The Cable (PENDULUM Vol 2) and Ijeoma Nwogwugwu (FIGHTING LIONS).
In his review, Olusegun Adeniyi said that the book is a collection of columns written by the author between 1988-1996 in the Nigerian Tribune, The Guardian, Weekend Concord, Classique magazine and Fame Magazine.
According to him, though it was written over 22 to 30 years ago, anyone that reads the articles will be shocked as if they were written yesterday. Issues interrogated in the book are still here with us today. He recommends it for readers who seek a better understanding of the events of the country.
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