"They Have Come To Arrest Me, Not My Mouth" MKO Abiola As He Was Being Arrested 27 Years Ago

27 years ago today, Bashorun MKO Abiola was arrested on June 23rd 1994, twelve days after he had declared himself President.

As Policemen surrounded his house; the BBC was interviewing him on the phone and part of the interview went as follows:

BBC: Why are they letting you talk on the phone to the BBC, while they are in the middle of arresting you.

MKO: They Have Come To Arrest Me, Not My Mouth


About 8 weeks earlier on May 10th 1994 ,MKO had been invited by Nelson Mandela to attend his inauguration and reportedly been assigned by the South African the seat reserved for the Nigerian President.

MKO would never see freedom again as he died four years later in July 1998 whilst in detention.

Full Text of Inaugural Address of ‘President’ MKO Abiola on June 11, 1994


Full Text of Inaugural Address of President MKO Abiola as Delivered on June 11, 1994 at Epetedo, Lagos

Full text of the Epetedo, Lagos proclamation delivered by the late M.K.O. Abiola on Saturday, June 11, 1994.

People of Nigeria, exactly one year ago, you turned out in your millions to vote for me, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But politicians in uniform, who call themselves soldiers but are more devious than any civilian would want to be, deprived you of your God-given right to be ruled by the President you had yourselves elected.

These soldier-politicians introduced into our body politic, a concept hitherto unknown to our political lexicography, something strangely called the “annulment” of an election perceived by all to have been the fairest, cleanest and most peaceful ever held in our nation.

Since that abominable act of naked political armed robbery occurred, I have been constantly urged by people of goodwill, both in Nigeria and abroad, to put the matter back into the people’s hands and get them to actualise the mandate they gave me at the polls. But mindful of the need to ensure that peace continues to reign in our fragile federation, I have so far tried to pursue sweet reason and negotiation.

My hope has always been to arouse whatever remnants of patriotism are left in the hearts of these thieves of your mandate, and to persuade them that they should not allow their personal desire to rule to usher our beloved country into an era of political instability and economic ruin.


All I have sought to do, in seeking dialogue with them, has been to try and get them to realise that only real democracy can move our nation forward towards progress, and earn her the respect she deserves from the international community.

However, although this peaceful approach has exposed me to severe censure by some who have mistaken it for weakness on my part, those with whom I have sought to dialogue have remained like stones, neither stirred to show loyalty to the collective decision of the people of their own country, nor to observe Allah’s injunction that they should exhibit justice and fair-play in all their dealings with their fellowmen.

Appeals to their honour as officers and gentlemen of the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces, have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, they have resorted to the tactics of divide and rule, bribery and political perfidy, misinformation and (vile) propaganda. They arrest everyone who disagrees with them. Even the 71-year old hero of our nation, Chief Anthony Enahoro, was not spared. How much longer can we tolerate all this? People of Nigeria, you are all witnesses that I have tried to climb the highest mountain, cross the deepest river and walk the longest mile, in order to get these men to obey the will of our people.

There is no humiliation I have not endured, no snare that has not been put in my path, no “setup” that has not been designed for me in my endeavour to use the path of peace to enforce the mandate that you bestowed on me one year ago. It has been a long night. But the dawn is here.

Today, people of Nigeria, I join you all in saying, “Enough is Enough!” We have endured 24 years of military rule in our 34 years of independence.

Military rule has led to our nation fighting a civil war with itself. Military rule has destabilised our nation today as not before in its history. Military rule has impoverished our people and introduced a dreadful trade in drugs which has made our country’s name an anathema in many parts of the world. Even soccer fans going to watch the Green Eagles display in America are being made to suffer there needlessly because Nigeria’s name is linked with credit card and fraud and “419.” Politically, military rule has torn to shreds the prestige due to our country because of its size and population.

The permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council that should be rightfully ours, is all but lost. For who will vote for Nigeria to get the seat if Nigerian military rulers do not respect the votes of their own people?

Enough of military rule. We are sickened to see people who have shown little or no personal achievement, either in building up private businesses, or making success of any tangible thing, being placed in charge of the management of our nation’s economy, by rulers who are not accountable to anyone.

Enough of square pegs in round holes. We are tired of then military repetitive tendency to experiment with our economy: Today, they say “no controls.” Tomorrow; they say “Full controls”. The day after, they say “Fine tuning”.

The next day, they say “Devaluation.” A few days later, they say “Revalue the same naira upwards again Abi?” All we can see are the consequences of this permanent game of military “about turns;” high inflation, a huge budget deficit and an enormous foreign debt repayment burden, dying industries, high unemployment and a demoralised populace.

Our youths, in particular, can see no hope on the horizon, and many can only dream of escaping from our shores to join the brain drain. Is this the Nigeria we want? We are plagued also by periodic balance of payments crises, which have led to a perennial shortage of essential drugs, that has turned our hospitals and clinics into mortuaries.

A scarcity of books and equipment has rendered our schools into desolate deserts of ignorance. Our factories are crying for machinery, spare parts and raw materials. But each day that passes, instead of these economic diseases being cured, they are rather strengthened as an irrational allocation of foreign exchange based on favouritism and corruption becomes the order of the day.

Enough is enough of economic mismanagement! People of Nigeria, during the election campaign last year, I presented you with a programme entitled “HOPE ’93. This programme was aimed precisely at solving these economic (problems) that have demoralised us all. I toured every part of Nigeria to present this programme to you the electorate. I was questioned on it at public rallies and press conferences and I had the privilege of incorporating into it much of the feedback that I obtained from the people.

Because you knew I would not only listen to you but deliver superb results from the programme, you voted for me in your millions and gave me an overwhelming majority over my opponent. To be precise, you gave me 58.4 per cent of the popular vote and a majority in 20 out of 30 states plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Not only that, you also enabled me to fulfil the constitutional requirement that the winner should obtain one-third of the votes in two-thirds of the states.

I am sure that when you cast an eye on the moribund state of Nigeria today, you ask yourselves: “What have we done to deserve this, when we have a president- elect who can lead a government that can change things for the better? Our patience has come to an end.

As of now, from this moment, a new Government of National Unity is in power throughout the length and breadth of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, led by me, Bashorun M.K.O. Abiola, as President and Commander-in-Chief. The National Assembly is hereby reconvened. All dismissed governors are reinstated.

The State Assemblies are reconstituted, as are all local government councils. I urge them to adopt a bi-partisan approach to all the issues that come before them. At the national level, a bi-partisan approach will be our guiding principle. I call upon the usurper, General Sani Abacha, to announce his resignation forthwith, together with the rest of his illegal ruling council. We are prepared to enter into negotiations with them to work out the mechanics for a smooth transfer of power.

I pledge that if they hand over quietly, they will be retired with all their entitlements, and their positions will be accorded all the respect due to them. For our objective is neither recrimination nor witch-hunting, but an enforcement of the will of the Nigerian people, as expressed in free elections conducted by the duly constituted authority of the time.

I hereby invoke the mandate bestowed upon me by my victory in the said election, to call on all members of the Armed Forces and the Police, the Civil and Public Services throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to obey only the Government of National Unity that is headed by me, your only elected President.

My Government of National Unity is the only legitimate, constituted authority in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as of now. People of Nigeria, these are challenging times in the history of our continent, Africa, and we in Nigeria must not allow ourselves to be left behind. Our struggle is the same as that waged by the people of South Africa, which has been successfully concluded, with the inauguration of Mr. Nelson Mandela as the first African President of that country.

Nelson Mandela fought to replace MINORITY rule with MAJORITY rule. We in Nigeria are also fighting to replace MINORITY rule, for we are ruled by only a tiny section of our armed forces. Like the South Africans, we want MAJORITY rule today, that is rule only by those chosen by all the people of Nigeria as a whole in free and fair elections.

The only difference between South Africa and Nigeria is that those who imposed minority rule on the majority rule whether it is by black or white, remains minority rule, and must be booted out. I call on you, heroic people of Nigeria, to emulate the actions of your brothers and sisters in South Africa and stand up as one person to throw away the yoke of minority rule for ever.

Late MKO Abiola and Late Gen Sani Abacha

The antics of every minority that oppresses the majority are always the same. They will try to intimidate you with threats of police action. But do not let us fear arrest. In South Africa, so many people were arrested, during the campaign against the Pass Laws, for instance, that the jails could not hold all of them. Today, apartheid is gone forever.

So, let it be with Nigeria. Let us say goodbye forever to minority rule by the military. They talk of treason. But haven’t they heard of the Rivonia treason trial in South Africa? Did those treason trials halt the march of history? People of Nigeria, our time is now. You are the repository of power in the land.

No one can give you power. It is yours. Take it! From this day, show to the world that anyone who takes the people of Nigeria for fools is deceiving himself and will have the people to answer to. God bless you all. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Long live the Government of National Unity.

From Vanguard Newspapers.

The one that pained me most was one fulani boy, Aminu, who flogged MKO with koboko for more than two hours that night in the cell. The old man was crying like a small child, so pathetic. People cannot respect their fathers mates.

SLAP44:
The one that pained me most was one fulani boy, Aminu, who flogged MKO with koboko for more than two hours that night in the cell. The old man was crying like a small child, so pathetic. People cannot respect their fathers mates.

Nobody flogged MKO sir.
Even criminals know their levels. Not every message is delivered by a messenger.

This man sef fück up why announcing yourself president? why not calm na..


Naija could have been better

Hmm, can't say much.
But naming a university after someone doesn't really show how much regard we had towards the person. Rather
Following the person's laid down idealogy and perfecting it would be the best honor

*Nigeria’s name is linked with credit card and fraud and 419* so no be today yahoo yahoo start? nawa o

V7place:


Nobody flogged MKO sir.
Even criminals know their levels. Not every message is delivered by a messenger.

Did you know that those in other cells cried bitterly that night because of the beatings, the one that pained everyone was that Aminu Us man, the boy flogging him was less than 20 years.

SLAP44:
The one that pained me most was one fulani boy, Aminu, who flogged MKO with koboko for more than two hours that night in the cell. The old man was crying like a small child, so pathetic. People cannot respect their fathers mates.

The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

watch video here http://fumacrom.com/yKpt

History! Thanks for the info

sweetshisha:


The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

Typical gibberish from a Yoruba human..

Dem no go ever make sense... what nonsense?

Every coup in Nigeria was financed by this man.


He was a bitter rival of Awiolowo


He got served by his own poison by his friends

sweetshisha:


The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

What caused all the koboko flogging marks on his back before he was buried. Look, the sooner Aminu Yusufu is arrested for torturing our presidential election winner, the better for you.

Fulani people should stop the caging of yoruba presidential aspirants. This is the same treatment they are giving to bosinbajo.

SLAP44:


What caused all the koboko flogging marks on his back before he was buried. Look, the sooner Aminu Yusufu is arrested for torturing our presidential election winner, the better for you.

Fulani people should stop the caging of yoruba presidential aspirants. This is the same treatment they are giving to bosinbajo.

Ibo people sef... Una no sabi much koboko koor koo5%tet nii

sweetshisha:


The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

You've got it right! Don't mind the detractors!

V7place:


[b]BBC: Why are they letting you talk on the phone to the BBC, while they are in the middle of arresting you.

MKO: They Have Come To Arrest Me, Not My Mouth

I head that interview, the reason he gave is not true, he should have told them "this is how they arrest big men in my country"
In Nigeria, to arrest a big man, the police send senior officers, they dress up neatly perfume their body well in order to arrest a big man.

sweetshisha:


The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

Thinking and Ibo are not words that go well together.

SLAP44:


What caused all the koboko flogging marks on his back before he was buried. Look, the sooner Aminu Yusufu is arrested for torturing our presidential election winner, the better for you.

Fulani people should stop the caging of yoruba presidential aspirants. This is the same treatment they are giving to bosinbajo.

Yorubas have ruled Nigeria twice (the only southern tribe to ever rule Nigeria. Figure head "president" doesn't count). So, who's been caged by Foolanis?

sweetshisha:


The thinking of an Ibo man

Abiola was detained in a flat, was never tortured and died 1 month after Abacha died when Ambassador Walter Carrington and Susan Rice came to serve him tea

Abiola was richer than Ojuckwu's father and Ojuckwu, Nnamdi combined yet he fought for his mandate like a man, while Nnamdi Kanu and Ojuckwu ran off like little girls

.

Is that why Hausafulanis killed him and Yorubas did nothing.

Tranquillity360:
Is that why Hausafulanis killed him and Yorubas did nothing.

CIA killed both Abacha and Abiola ask your elders

Yorubas reclaimed back our mandate back through Obasanjo while Ibos haven't smelt Aso rock since

Whatever way you may see it, that annulment is wrong in all sense of it.

Asgard73:


Typical gibberish from a Yoruba human..

Dem no go ever make sense... what nonsense?

If you ever have an ounce of sense, you won't be destroying your region with your stupidity. Only census can tell how many igbo lives has lost recently due to senselessness. God has placed us above you in every way including landmass. You're a mere dot!

sweetshisha:


CIA killed both Abacha and Abiola ask your elders

Yorubas reclaimed back our mandate back through Obasanjo while Ibos haven't smelt Aso rock since

You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat

Was Obasanjo the yobas choice?

Tranquillity360:
You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat

Was Obasanjo the yobas choice?

I guess Obasanjo is from Anambra

sweetshisha:


I guess Obasanjo is from Anambra

You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas
choice?

Tranquillity360:
You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas
choice?

Yes he was some Yorubas choice and also a Yoruba man

Why can't we also force ordinary vice president on Ibos and Peter Obi since Atleast we forced Uzodinma on yall

sweetshisha:


Yes he was some Yorubas. Choice and also a Yoruba man

Why can't we also force ordinary vice president on Ibos and Peter Obi since Atleast we forced Uzodinma on yall

You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas
choice?

Tranquillity360:
You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas
choice?

When will Ibos smell Aso Rock

sweetshisha:

When will Ibos smell Aso Rock

You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas choice?

Tranquillity360:
You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas
throat



Was Obasanjo the yobas choice?

Buhari a Fulani now controls APGA Ibo party

You guys can't smell Aso Rock not as President or Vice or interim or acting president

sweetshisha:



Buhari a Fulani now controls APGA Ibo party

You guys can't smell Aso Rock not as President or Vice or interim or acting president

You mean Obasanjo that was forced on yobas
throat


Was Obasanjo the yobas choice?