Sani, who was a prominent figure among pro-democracy activists detained under the military rule of Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1998, emphasised the challenging circumstances faced by himself, Obasanjo, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua after their arrests and transfer to Kirikiri Prison.
Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker from Kaduna State, has recalled an incident in 1995 when he intervened to protect former President Olusegun Obasanjo from being assaulted by inmates at Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison in Lagos State.
Sani shared his account of the incident during a lecture in Abuja on Thursday.
"I vividly remember when armed inmates began shouting and insulting President Obasanjo upon his arrival," Sani recounted. "I stepped in to defuse the situation, reminding them that despite his status, Obasanjo was now a fellow inmate."
Sani, who was a prominent figure among pro-democracy activists detained under the military rule of Sani Abacha from 1993 to 1998, emphasised the challenging circumstances faced by himself, Obasanjo, and Shehu Musa Yar’Adua after their arrests and transfer to Kirikiri Prison.
"We were unfairly treated; while Obasanjo and Yar’Adua were not handcuffed, soldiers handcuffed me upon arrival," Sani stated. "Obasanjo even questioned this discrepancy, asking why I was treated differently."
Reflecting on the broader implications, Sani criticised the reluctance of pro-democracy activists in 1998 to embrace political leadership during Nigeria's transition from military to civilian rule.
"We missed a pivotal opportunity," Sani lamented. "Activists like Gani Fawehinmi and Femi Falana opposed our involvement in politics, which allowed civilian politicians to dominate."
Sani highlighted the struggles faced by activists-turned-politicians like Mike Ozekhome and Olisa Agbakoba post-transition.
"They encountered difficulties securing political roles despite their contributions," he remarked.