News
“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.
In a bid to reduce the country’s planet-warming emissions, the UK government has announced a £180 million investment in solar panels for hundreds of schools and hospitals across the country.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to achieve its long-term climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The investment, which is the first major project from Great British Energy, the government’s new state owned energy company, is expected to provide solar panels for 200 schools and 200 hospitals.
This will not only help reduce energy bills but also cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
According to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, “Great British Energy’s first major project will be to help our vital public institutions save hundreds of millions on bills to reinvest on the frontline.”
He added that the project will help reduce the financial pressure of energy bills on schools and hospitals.
The announcement has been welcomed by schools, unions, and NHS estate managers, who have long been advocating for measures to reduce energy costs.
Paul Whiteman, NAHT general secretary, said that the investment is a “step in the right direction” and will help schools manage energy bills, which have been a significant financial burden in recent years.
However, not everyone is optimistic about the investment.
Andrew Bowie, shadow energy secretary, argued that the government’s net zero plans will make the country “poorer.”
He claimed that the investment will lead to increased reliance on foreign powers like Russia.
In contrast, energy experts believe that investing in renewable energy will reduce the UK’s reliance on imports.
Jess Ralston, energy analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, said that the investment in solar panels will improve energy security and reduce the amount of gas imported from countries like Russia.
The first solar panels are expected to be installed by the end of the summer, with a focus on areas of “highest need.”
Get ready for the most explosive edition yet! Diaspora Watch 39th edition is packed with breaking news, shocking revelations, and heartwarming stories that will leave you breathless!
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DIASPORA WATCH 39TH EDITION: GLOBAL NEWS EXPLOSION!
Putin and Trump hold the fate of Ukraine in the balance as they engage in high-stakes talks! What will be the outcome? Find out inside!
Mark Carney sworn in as Canadian Prime Minister! A new era begins in Canadian politics, but what does the future hold?
Trump drops a bombshell, declaring Biden’s last-minute pardons “null and void”! The implications are staggering – get the full story inside!
Global growth set to slow down in 2025 and 2026, warns OECD report! What does this mean for the global economy?
SpaceX capsule delivers four astronauts to International Space Station! A historic achievement in space exploration that will leave you starstruck!
Your WhatsApp account can be compromised in minutes – find out how to stay safe online!
African Union rejects parallel government in Sudan, warns of country’s partition! The AU takes a firm stance on Sudan’s political crisis – get the latest inside!
Nigeria set to appoint new envoys as vetting process begins! Who will make the cut?
Nnamdi Kanu expresses gratitude as Chief Justice reassigned terrorism case! A significant development in the Nnamdi Kanu case – find out more!
ECOWAS Parliament intervenes in Guinea-Bissau, Liberia crises! Regional leaders work towards a peaceful resolution – get the full story!
And in a heartwarming turn of events, Asake reconciles with ailing father, promises new house and responsibility for 11-year-old daughter!
Diaspora Watch Unveils 38th Edition: Get ready for the most anticipated edition yet!
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Diaspora Watch is proud to present its 38th edition, packed with the latest news, trends, and analysis from around the world.
Our cover headlines are buzzing with hot topics: the mass trial of opposition figures in Tunisia, the UK government’s refusal to pay Rwanda over a canceled migrant deal, and Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, outlining his vision for a second term.
But that’s not all – we’re also diving into the world of sports, with a special feature on Nigeria’s first Super Bowl winner, Moro Ojomo, who received a hero’s welcome at Aso Villa. And, meet the 35-year-old Nigerian man who’s making waves with his incredible talent for building helicopters and guns from rubber!
In our lifestyle section, we’re exploring the devastating consequences of procrastination and how to overcome it. Plus, find out why Nigerian celebrities are caught up in Lamborghini fever!
As always, Diaspora Watch is your premier source for compelling stories, analysis, and perspectives that matter to Africans everywhere.
So, grab your copy now and stay informed, inspired, and connected to the global African community!
Diaspora Diva – Aisha Bowe
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 40
UK Invests £180 Million In Solar Panels For Schools And Hospitals
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
