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“MKO Abiola’s Last Breath” Susan Rice Sets The Record Straight
As Nigeria celebrates it’s 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democracy, we backtrack to 2019 when Susan Rice, former UN Ambassador and National Security Adviser to President Barack Obama, gave a detailed account of the
last moments of the presumed winner of the June 12 presidential election, late MKO Abiola, in her book, “Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For”. The annulled June 12, 1993 Presidential Election remains one of the darkest moments of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
The country has, in honour of Abiola and the unfortunate events of that day, moved it’s annual Democracy Day celebration from May 29 to June 12. Rice in her book, dispels the conspiracy theory that alleged she gave Abiola the tea laced with arsenic that killed him, saying: “About five minutes into the conversation, Abiola started to cough, at first mildly and intermittently, and then rackingly with consistency. He said he was hot, so I asked his dutiful minder, ‘Please turn up the air-conditioning.’ Noticing a tea service on the table between us, I offered Abiola, ‘Would you like some tea to help calm your cough?’ ‘Yes,’ he said, with appreciation, and I poured him a cup.
“Rice continued: “He sipped it, but continued coughing. Increasingly uncomfortable, Abiola removed his outer layer, leaving one layer on top. I shot Pickering a worried glance.” She described how Abiola’s condition rapidly deteriorated, saying: “The coughing became dramatic. I told the assembled men, ‘I think we better call for a doctor.’ No one argued. The minder immediately placed the call. Abiola asked to be excused and went into the bathroom of our meeting room. When he emerged, he was bare-chested and sweating profusely, barely able to talk. He lay down on the couch writhing and then rolled facedown onto the floor. “Rice recalled the urgency of the situation, saying: “The doctor arrived promptly, took a quick look at him, and declared that Abiola was having a heart attack and must be transported to the hospital immediately. The men labored to lift the heavy Abiola into a small car, and we rushed to the nearby, rudimentary presidential hospital.” She described the emotional moment when she had to break the news to Abiola’s wives and daughters, saying: “I proceeded to explain that their husband/father was dead. He had died of an apparent heart attack that began in our meeting. The doctors did all they could to save him but could not. The ladies’ wailing was so intense; it haunts me to this day.
“Rice also expressed frustration with Reverend Jesse Jackson, who implied that Abiola died under suspicious circumstances in a meeting with US officials, fueling conspiracy theories. She said: “I could not believe my ears – our own guy implying we were killers! Immediately, I placed a call to his longtime aide Yuri and asked them to shut the Reverend down. ‘Please, just get him off the set.'” Rice reflected on the unique hazards she faced as a woman policymaker, noting that she was the one who took the public fall for a crime nobody committed. She said: “From that experience, I found that being a woman policymaker comes with unique hazards. The men would not have offered, much less thought, to pour the tea. They may have swiftly called for a doctor. They may not have been able
to break the bad news to the wives. Not for the first time, it was I, not they, who took the public fall for a crime nobody committed.
Welcome to the 32nd edition of Diaspora Watch, your premier source of news, insights, and analysis on the global diaspora community. In this edition, we delve into the most pressing issues affecting diaspora communities worldwide, from politics and economics to social justice and culture.
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Our cover headlines are as diverse as they are impactful. We examine Nigeria’s lavish military retirement perks, which have raised eyebrows and ire among citizens. We also report on the devastating earthquake that struck Tibet, killing at least 95 people and injuring 130 others.
In the world of politics, we cover President Biden’s honoring of 19 exceptional individuals with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as well as Austria’s precarious political situation as coalition talks collapse.
In addition, we celebrate the achievements of outstanding individuals, including Abbie Stockard, the newly crowned Miss America 2025, and Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe Award for her role in “The Substance.” We also report on Microsoft’s record $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley’s ambitious agenda for 2025.
Other notable stories in this edition include the massive fire that destroyed Kantamanto Market in Ghana, affecting over 30,000 traders, and Nigeria’s travel advisory for citizens traveling to Australia.
We also profile Nigeria-born Derek Obialo, who was sworn in as Associate Judge of the 240th District Court in Texas.
As always, Diaspora Watch is committed to providing you with the most comprehensive and engaging coverage of the global diaspora community. We hope you enjoy this edition and look forward to your feedback.
Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas
It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.
In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.
The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.
Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.
To promote cybersecurity education and awareness, Excel TeKay LLC has announced the release of two critical books, “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim,” written by renowned cybersecurity expert Kimma Wreh. Now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, these books aim to equip readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and protect themselves in today’s digital world.
Diaspora Watch reports that “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” is a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex cybersecurity topics, offering step-by-step guidance for individuals, families, and small businesses. Readers will learn practical tips for creating strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing IoT devices, and defending against threats like malware and phishing.
The book also explores mobile security, incident response, and pathways for pursuing cybersecurity careers, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their digital safety. Wreh’s expertise and experience in the field shine through in this book, pro-viding readers with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.
In “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim”, Wreh exposes common online scams, including phishing, romance fraud, and malware attacks. Using real-world examples, including her personal experiences, she equips readers with tools to detect red flags, protect sensitive in-formation, and recover from breaches.
Highlighting the staggering $10 billion lost to cyber scams in 2023, Wreh provides actionable strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape. Her expertise and in-sights in this book are in-valuable, helping readers to develop a deeper under-standing of the tactics used by cyber scammers and how to protect themselves.
Kimma Wreh, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), draws on over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy. She is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Excel Global Media Group Inc. and a Principal Consultant at Excel TeKay LLC.
“I want readers to feel confident about their digital safety and see cybersecurity as something they can master,” said Wreh. Her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their digital safety is evident throughout both books.
Both “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim” are available now on Amazon.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 32 – January 6 to 12, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 31 – DEC 30, 2024 – JAN 5, 2025
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 30 – Dec. 23 – 29, 2024
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
