Kano Emir To Al-Mustapha: "Forget The Past, Live In Peace"

Kano - Yesterday, Alhaji Ado Bayero, Kano Emir, hosted Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, who is former Chief Security Officer to late Head of State, General Sani Abacha. 
The Emir urged Al-Mustapha to leave his past behind and start living in peace. Al-Mustapha, on his part, denied claims that his visits to distinguished Nigerians was politically-motivating. Rather, he said, his "major preoccupation now is to better the life of humanity through a credible non-governmental organisation."
It will be recalled that for 15 years, Al-Mustapha was a prisoner at the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison for allegedly playing a role in murdering pro-democracy activist, Kudirat Abiola. He was released in July this year, although Lagos State government is still contesting the appeal court verdict at the Apex court.
Al-Mustapha paid homage to the Emir who has been ailing for the last couple of months. He arrived at the Emir's palace, followed by a convoy of over a hundred cars carrying sympathisers and well-wishes.
Ado Bayero addressed Al-Mustapha thus:

"I want you to bear in mind that whatever happened to a man in the journey of life was predestined by Allah, therefore, your experience over the long incarceration was a fulfillment of destiny. I urge you to leave it behind and forge ahead in peace."

After the meeting, Al-Mustapha answered some journalists' questions. He said, in particular, that his visit to Kano Emir was "a manifestation of father-child relationship."
Stressing the fact that he still is a commissioned officer of the Nigerian Army, he said,

"My stalled progress in the army is the direct consequence of the criminal case instituted against me in court. Until it's finally determined in court, I remain a major in the Army."

He also stated he has no ambition to venture into politics or seek political position in Nigeria:

"I have not decided to venture into politics now and I have not been invited into that direction.’"

Al-Mustapha explained that his visits to some states, particularly to the troubled areas across the country, were fueled by his desire to ensure peace and unity.

"Many organisations and associations actually contacted me with invitations that took me there. I did it with a view to putting a helping hand. Right from 1984, I found it mandatory to help associations in support of peace and unity, and now that God has granted me freedom, I cannot say no. We have opened ground for reconciliation to many tribes and communities and we hope it will add colours towards achieving peace, unity and development in the country.

"To us, the background we have is that of a country solidly united, where hopes and confidence of the people are fully restored and anchored upon progress and development. We are looking for a country that is firmly rooted with the God’s given resources and given the direction and taking giant strides in Africa for development and progress," he said.

Al-Mustapha pledged to continue to respond to such calls by organisations and associations provided they were meant to foster unity and peace in the country.