I have forgiven my foes – Al-Mustapha

*Relieves prison experience *Abachas,
grandmother set to receive him in Kano
today…
Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief
Security Officer to the late Head of State,
General Sani Abacha, says he has forgiven
those behind his 14 years sojourn in prison.
In an interview aired on BBC Hausa Service,
yesterday, the former Abacha security
goon said "there was conscious effort by
those behind my travail to paint me black
before the whole world, but my gratitude
goes to God for allowing truth to triumph
over falsehood". He spoke about 24 hours
after the Court of Appeal set him free.Al-Mustapha stated: "The last 14 years of
my life was spent between solitary
confinement that lasted five years and
three months and detention in about 32
facilities located within the northern and
southern parts of the country."
Recounting his experience in prison, the
former CSO declared: "I was toughened by
my professional calling and my belief as a
Muslim to persevere in whatever condition
one finds himself", stressing that 14 years
from home had been tough and laden with
lesson of life
The one-time feared Major, in the emotional
interview, said, "I am fully convinced that
my travail was ordained by God to test my
will and trust in Him and those laying claim
to have played a role must have done that
out of ignorance, and I bear no grudge
against them.
"I have learnt a lot lessons from my
incarceration and, from what I have seen at
the maximum prison, there is a number of
people who are being detained illegally
across the prisons and those in position of
authority must do something to address the
issue".
He added: "I am still a major in the Nigerian
Army, and cannot be dragged into politics
especially since I have been out for so long.
I don't think of politics, my major
preoccupation now is how to reunite with
my profession."
Rally
Meanwhile, barring any last-minute change
in plan, Maryam Sani Abacha, wife of the
late Head of state, Abacha, is set to lead the
entire Abacha family to receive him at
Malam Aminu Kano International Airport as
he returns home today. Al-Mustapha's
grandmother was also said to be anxious to
see him.
Supporters and well-wishers of the freed
former CSO were, yesterday, said to be
planning to hold a rally for honour their
hero.
A jingle by Muhammad Abacha, eldest son
of the late Head of State, ran on virtually all
radio stations in Kano, calling on Kano
people to come out en masse to welcome Al
Mustapha back home.
Palpable festivities enveloped the city of
nine million people as many were seen
discussing today's event that promised to
attract hundreds of thousands of people.
Al-Mustapha's private residence, located at
Lamido Crescent, Nassarawa GRA, wore a
new look with increased activities as hordes
of people were seen trooping in and out of
the house.