THE AIR FORCE CHIEF WHO WANTED TO HELP MKO ABIOLA
Meet Air Vice Marshal Femi John Femi (born 30 December 1945 in Egbeda-Kabba, Kogi State). The 11th Chief of Air Staff, he is the first qualified helicopter pilot to be appointed as the Chief of Air Staff of the Nigerian Air Force.
He became CAS in 1993 when Abacha came to power, one of the most tumultous periods in Nigeria’s history. AVM Femi John Femi was one of those in Abacha’s cabinet who wanted Abiola either free or his mandate returned to him.
He worked closely with the Chief of General Staff and de facto vice president Lt. General Oladipo Diya regarding how they were going to help the jailed MKO. While Diya got a jet to ferry Abiola straight to exile, AVM Femi got another Nigerian Air Force jet to escort and provide cover to the jet that would carry Abiola to safety. The extra aerial cover was needed in case the aircraft that would take MKO to safety came under enemy fire. It was a time anything could happen.
So General Diya, AVM Femi John Femi and other Yorubas in the government got everything perfected for MKO and were able to secure a bail for MKO. This they did at very great personal risks. But some NADECO chieftains told Abiola to reject the offer and insist on unconditional surrender and continue fighting from prison. MKO agreed.
All the efforts of Diya, AVM Femi John Femi and others were wasted. When MKO’s son, Kola, heard what the NADECO chieftains and others had advised his father, he was just too enraged. In his recent interview, he still expressed his bitterness at the NADECO chieftains whom he believe misled his father while going behind to romance the same Abacha. Anyway, that is that. AVM Femi John Femi is still very much alive, have you heard of him before and do you think MKO did the right thing by turning down the bail offer? ????????????????
Culled @Written by Abiyamọ for Abiyamo Fans
