The former military president Ibrahim Babangida disclosed that he had offered MKO Abiola an interim government position following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election. However, Abiola declined the offer, believing he had won the election outright.

Babangida shared these details in his newly launched autobiography, A Journey in Service, where he recounted multiple meetings with Abiola aimed at finding a resolution. During one meeting, facilitated by traditional leaders, he proposed an interim role to Abiola, who ultimately rejected it. Babangida reflected on this, stating, “How could anyone blame him? He believed he won the election and saw an interim role as inappropriate.”

He further suggested that Abiola had been misled by Sani Abacha, then Chief of Defence Staff, into thinking the annulled election would be revalidated once Babangida was removed from power. Babangida expressed surprise at the animosity Abacha held toward Abiola, despite their apparent closeness.

Babangida recalled that Abiola’s so-called allies advised him to leave Nigeria due to security threats, a move that ultimately allowed Abacha and his supporters to consolidate power and facilitate another military takeover. He noted that one of his significant challenges at the time was Abacha, whom he initially believed supported the transition to civil rule, describing him as a complex character.

In November 1993, Abacha ousted the interim government led by Ernest Shonekan, which Babangida had established. By the following year, Abacha imprisoned Abiola after he declared himself president. Both men passed away in 1998 under mysterious circumstances, with Abacha dying in June and Abiola in July.

Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has insisted that the local government election scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, February 22, will hold unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had on Thursday urged Adeleke not to proceed with the election.

Fagbemi called on Adeleke to honour the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Akure, which reinstated the All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen and councillors who were dismissed by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2022.

However, Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Friday, February 20, insisted that Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday.

The statement reads: “Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed that the local government election scheduled for tomorrow is holding unfailingly under the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC).

“The Governor made the assertion this morning while receiving a delegation of civil society coalition who are in the state to monitor the local government elections.

“According to the governor, Osun voters are prepared to exercise their voting rights on Saturday even as he expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation by the electoral body.

“I welcome you all to Osun State. Our people are prepared for elections tomorrow. They yearn to have their choices as chairmen and councillors.

“OSIEC has also done a marvellous preparatory job according to reports at my disposal. Several political parties are participating and I believe there will be a level playing ground for all to test their popularity with the masses”, the Governor told the visiting activists.

“On the controversy over the election, the Governor asserted that democracy is governed by the rule of law and that nobody can assume the authority of the courts.

“My advice to all parties including local and national stakeholders is to abide by democratic norms. As for me and my people, we stand by the rule of law, not alleged self-help.

“Election is going to hold and the outcome will be a fast-tracked development at the local level. I urge our people to remain peaceful. Osun is a truly peaceful state”, Governor Adeleke noted.”

By Suleiman Ibrahim.

Tensions erupted in the Senate on Thursday after Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with the leadership over a seating arrangement dispute.

The issue began when Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat was reassigned following a reshuffle prompted by opposition members moving to the majority wing.

However, she refused to relocate.

Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, cited Senate rules to justify the change, explaining that seat adjustments were within the Senate President’s authority.

He also warned that non-compliance could lead to penalties, including exclusion from Senate debates.

Senate to probe infractions by agencies
Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld Monguno’s order and denied Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan the floor when she attempted to speak from her old seat.

In protest, the Kogi lawmaker raised her voice, accusing the leadership of silencing her.

“I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege,” she declared.

The standoff intensified when the Senate President directed the sergeant-at-arms to remove her.

However, interventions from fellow lawmakers restored calm, although Akpoti-Uduaghan remained firm in her refusal to move.

The Katsina State Hisbah Board has banned all nightclub activities across the state, citing Islamic principles and the need to uphold moral values.

The Hisbah Commander-General, Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), announced this in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday.

He ordered nightclub owners to shut down their establishments to curb immoral practices, protect societal values, and address security concerns in the state.

“The board warned that violators would face strict penalties. Security agencies have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the order.

“We are committed to building a morally upright society and ensuring peace and security in Katsina State,” the Hisbah commander said.

He said the board has informed relevant security agencies, including the state Commissioner for Internal Security, to enforce the directive effectively.

“This move aligns with Hisbah’s broader efforts to ensure residents continue their lives in line with religious and moral standards,” he said.

The state’s agency had also in July 2024 Hisbah banned prostitution and gambling across the state.

“Hisbah is watching any person with funny hair-style and taking necessary actions against them in the state,” a statement issued by the organisation at the time added.