Former President, Olusegun
Obasanjo and ex-Military Head of State, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, IBB, were
absent at Tuesday’s Special National Honours Investiture of Chief MKO Abiola
and others.
Abiola was awarded GCFR, the
highest title in the land, while Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Gani
Fawehinmi were awarded GCON.
At the event, Secretary to the
Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, informed the gathering that
Obasanjo and Babangida both expressed regrets for their inability to attend.
Speaking on Tuesday
afternoon, a close aide to Obasanjo disclosed that the former leader left the
country since last Friday.
He said Obasanjo has been
scheduled to attend a book launch outside the country even before the award
investiture of MKO Abiola and others was announced by the federal government.
“Baba jetted out last Friday; but
his trip was planned long ago.
“I’m aware he personally reached
out to the presidency to explain that he would not be able to attend today’s
event.
“I think he will return to
Nigeria on Wednesday or Thursday”, the source said.
Similarly, Babangida, it was
learnt, apologized to the presidency for his absence.
He was said to have given his
health issue as the reason.
In the last few years, IBB has
not made public appearance and routinely travels abroad for medical treatment.
Currently, the former ruler
cannot walk properly unless aided.
Meanwhile, son of the late legal
icon and human rights activist, Mohammed Fawehinmi, has described President
Muhammadu Buhari as a sensitive leader.
Fawehinmi noted that the family
was grateful and elated by the award conferred on his father.
He said June 12 was the
foundation of democracy in the country and that the Tuesday’s occasion was a
show of entrenchment of unity of all citizens of the country regardless of
religion and ethnic background.
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