Pastor Tunde Bakare
Lagos —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
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 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 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.
