The stage is set to dissect the many unresolved issues around the June 12, 1993 saga and the recent controversial revelations by former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, regarding the annulment of the Presidential Election which plunged Nigeria on reverse gear to date.
This will be the issue on the front burner on the popular monthly interview discourse, Boiling Point Arena, on Sunday March 9, 2025 at 8 p.m.
To feature as discussants are a retired top Military General (whose identity is still under wraps), Senator Babafemi Ojudu, a fearless journalist/Editor who was one of those who resisted military dictatorship leading to his incarceration in detention, and Jamiu Abiola, one of the children of the late Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of the June 12 struggle.
The forthcoming edition of Boiling Point Arena, which is the 29th episode over the past two and half years, holds via Zoom and to be broadcast live on three radio stations, WASH 94.9FM, Lagos, Sweet 107.1FM and Roots 97.1FM, both located in Abeokuta.
The once-in-a-month current affairs programme with an incredibly large online followership, is hosted by Dr Ayo Arowojolu, a media professional and public relations strategist who parades 35 years multi-varied career experience spanning the media, banking and education sectors.
The interview is themed: “June 12: The Babangida Apologia and Opening of Old Wounds and What Consequences to Follow, if any”.
Expectedly, the trio of Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Jamiu Abiola and the top military brass who was one of the dramatis personae before and aftermath of the June 12 Saga, will validate or invalidate some of Babangida’s disclosures as expressed in his recent book.
Ojudu, a co-Founder of The News and Tempo Magazines, whose journalism career spanned over four decades later transitioned into politics and got elected in 2011 as Senator representing Ekiti Central.
In the last dispensation during the Buhari regime, Ojudu served as Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters but attached to Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo.
For his part, Jamiu Abiola is the younger brother of Hasfat Abiola-Costello, both who are children of the late Alhaja Kudirat Abiola who was assassinated during the struggle for the reclamation of the annulled election.
Jamiu Abiola in November 2024 got appointed into the Tinubu cabinet as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.
The Discussants are to also offer perspectives on the implications of Babangida’s latest disclosures to the nation’s polity and the likelihood of re-opening old wounds across the different ethnic divides in the country.
Foremost traditional ruler, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, is expected to deliver a keynote address to herald the discourse, in his capacity as Chairman, Boiling Point Council of Royals and Elders.
According to a statement by the Chairman, Organizing Committee for the programme, Dr Eddy Ademosu, one of Nigeria’s notable Public Relations Icon, the interview discourse will in particular point the way forward for reinventing Nigeria.
Dr Ademosu commended the Management of Sweet FM, chaired by its Promoter, Senator Olugbenga Obadara, and the owners of WASH FM and Roots FM for identifying with worthy causes through partnering with the Boiling Point platform to widen the audience reach of the discourse via their terrestrial and online channels.
BOILING POINT, a news and general interest group, comprises an array of eminent personalities including over 300 Professors, technocrats, industry leaders, High Court Justices, traditional rulers, security top shots, media professionals and several others.