June 12: Those who served Abacha still relevant, enjoying govt – Rufai Oseni

Arise Television anchor, Rufai Oseni has said that individuals who served under the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, remain influential in Nigeria’s political landscape.

According to him, they have continued to benefit from government appointments decades after the end of military rule.

Oseni made the comment on Friday in a post on X while reflecting on Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations.

He wrote: “Those that served Abacha are still relevant today and enjoying government. They enjoyed the best of military and civilian. Happy democracy day.”

His comment comes as Nigerians mark Democracy Day on June 12, a date set aside to commemorate the struggle for democratic governance and honour the presumed winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

The Federal Government had also on Thursday declared June 12 as a public holiday in commemoration of Democracy Day.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

DAILY POST reports that the day also serves as a reminder of the country’s transition from military rule to civilian government in 1999.

Recall that General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998.

His administration remains one of the most controversial periods in the country’s history, marked by allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition and widespread corruption.

However, several political figures who held positions during the military era have continued to play active roles in subsequent democratic administrations.