Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori believes that Nigeria reached an all-time low during the death of military dictator, General Sani Abacha.
Audu Maikori [Episode 4]
Abacha died in June 1998, and the news of his death inspired widespread celebrations and merry-making. Audu Maikori believes that the celebrations were in bad taste.
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Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998 in a regime which was controversial: although it saw dramatic economic growth, it also witnessed widespread human rights abuses.
He told My Africa Podcast: “I think the saddest moment for the country was when Abacha died. Everybody was happy, there was jubilation on the streets. When people heard, they were afraid first, but when they comfirmed, they jumped. They were so excited.”
“And I thought to myself, “Isn’t it sad that people can be happy that one man is dead.”
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Audu also believes that the death marked a pivotal point in Nigeria’s history. He emphasises that the expression of free thought and social activism is possible because because of Abacha’s demise.
“I think that was a very serious point, where I think people realised that this freedom we are enjoying, where you can say anything anywhere and not be afraid that somebody picks you up. But in those days, you couldn’t say anything. You couldn’t do anything.”
Sani Abacha was given a posthumous award in 2014, by the Federal Government led by Goodluck Jonathan, during the Nigeria centenary celebrations, which led widespread criticism from large sections the media.
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