Wife of former Nigerian President, the late Chief Moshood Abiola, Professor Zainab Duke-Abiola, has said she chose to mourn her late husband, who died in military detention while fighting for his June 12 mandate, than be celebrating.
She said this in a statement titled “Flowers for Chief MKO Abiola GCFR” and made it available to newsmen on Thursday.
Duke-Abiola noted that she could not understand why people should be sending her congratulatory messages, on a day that should declared a national mourning day for the late President.
Duke-Abiola said like their Excellencies Mrs Hillary Clinton, Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, Mrs. Turai Yar’adua, Lady Cherry Igbinedion and Mrs Jackie Robinson, she has demonstrated strength where there was weakness, courage where there was discouragement, adding that just she ‘rose on the wings of truth like Pegasus the winged horse just like the symbol’
“June 12, is a date when the mandate that was freely given to Chief Abiola, GCFR, was stolen.
”So I have chosen to remember my dearest American friend and great grandmother the most distinguished Mrs Rachel Jackie Robinson who is now 102 years old.
“That’s right, 102 years old. With her soft smile, kind, and gentle words she has been one of my great pillars of moral support.
”Rachel Jackie Robinson has shown me the strength in quiet resilience and self reliance,” she said.
The Rivers State born legal luminary, added, “She has nudged me on to never complain and never explain whilst navigating the trajectory and travails of widowhood in this Terra Cotta.
Where there was anger and angst in the land she renewed Hope.
“When the police framed her up , she watched her traducers traduced.
”She served her grateful nation with determination and a godly ambience of goodness and mercy.
“She is a colossus and helper of the poor without fanfare for her good deeds.
“Every year her husband, Jackie Robinson, the greatest American baseball player of all time, like my late husband, Chief Abiola, is remembered and honoured globally. Whilst the families wipe their tears in silence.
“Nigerians, please stop calling to wish me a happy June 12. What sense does it make to keep sending me happy June 12 cards every year?
“For the family, though, there’s nothing happy about June 12 because our family head, Chief MKO Abiola, has gone to sing with angels.
“We appreciate the nation for immortalizing this great patriot. We shall continue to build the nation in unity.
“However, we shall never forget that amongst the sacrificial lambs for democracy was my beloved husband and our father.His Excellency, Chief MKO Abiola GCFR.
”The red carpet of democracy is a reminder of the crimson sacrifice. Therefore, my dearest Mrs. Jackie Robinson, before they say Jackie Robinson, let me wish you more wisdom, more strength, and God’s guidance.”
