JUST IN: Fani-Kayode reacts to Peter Obi’s comments on NADECO leaders

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has criticised Peter Obi over remarks about the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

Fani-Kayode accused Obi of attempting to diminish the role of NADECO leaders who opposed military rule in Nigeria.

In a post on social media, the former minister described Obi’s alleged comments about the pro-democracy group as “a crying shame”.

“Peter Obi’s attack on NADECO and his attempt to denigrate the leaders of that movement and it’s members who single handedly fought military rule and made the ultimate sacrifice for democracy in our country is a crying shame and shall not go unanswered.

“I recall that he worked assidiously for General Abacha whilst our NADECO leaders and footsoldiers resisted him and were being locked up, driven into exile, subjected to the most brutal form of oppression, persecution and torture,” he said.

He also criticised the involvement of some politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including David Mark.

Fani-Kayode alleged that Mark had previously made comments against Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He said the annulment of the election by the regime of Ibrahim Babangida led to years of political unrest and violence in the country.

Fani-Kayode added that many NADECO activists suffered persecution, exile, and other forms of repression during the struggle for democracy.

He stated: “Many of us were in NADECO and we are living witnesses to what happened. We spoke out, wrote articles, suffered persecution, were locked up, were tortured, were killed and were forced into exile.”

He said the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists between 1992 and 1999 should not be dismissed.

Fani-Kayode urged Obi to refrain from criticising NADECO leaders, saying the struggle against military rule came at a heavy cost.

“He should enjoy the democracy and free speech that we have today which others fought and died for between 1992 and 1999,” he said.