Former Minister of External Affairs Bolaji Akinyemi has paid respect to late US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson, recalling his active participation in Nigeria’s pro-democracy battle on June 12.

Speaking on Politics Today, Akinyemi stated that Jackson dedicated a substantial portion of his political life to Nigeria’s campaign to restore democracy following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“Jesse Jackson invested part of his political career in Nigeria. He was part of us in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO). Yes, the President of the United States had appointed him a Special Envoy for Democracy,” Akinyemi said.

According to him, that diplomatic role provided a platform for Jackson’s deeper involvement in Nigeria’s internal struggle. “But that was just a cover for him to be involved in the June 12 struggle in Nigeria,” he added.

Akinyemi recalled Jackson’s personal concern for Nigerian activists during protests in the United States. “Whenever we were in the United States demonstrating, he would ask me to please stand aside and not be arrested by the Washington Police. He took that particular interest, not only in me but on other Nigerians in the struggle,” he said.

The former foreign minister also said Jackson played a role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy outlook, noting that his commitment was unique. “He was not doing this for every country; it was just Nigeria. He also sought to get me involved with the activities of the Africans in the diaspora,” Akinyemi said.

He explained that Jackson believed Nigeria’s success was central to the global Black experience.

“Nigeria was key to what the black race became in the world… and that the success of Nigeria was intertwined with the success of the black race in the world,” he said.

Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day on June 12 every year to commemorate the 1993 election, which was widely regarded as the most freest in the country’s history and was won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola.

Jackson died quietly in his sleep on Monday, at the age of 84. (The Sun)

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