Former National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party and ex-Governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has urged President Bola Tinubu to bring closure to the June 12, 1993 saga by settling the N45 billion debt owed to the family of the late 1993 presidential election winner, Chief MKO Abiola.
Lamido made this appeal during the public presentation of his book, “Being True To Myself,” in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his address at the event, Lamido stressed the need to resolve the long-standing financial issue related to Abiola, who won the 1993 Presidential Election but was denied the presidency.
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Lamido said, “When (General) Murtala (Muhammed) died, Abiola came in with a claim that he was owed, I think, about N45bn for contracts executed by International Telephone and Telecommunication for the Ministry of Communications.
“The military high command at that time said no. He went round the emirs in the North to lobby, and the emirs asked that they (military) please pay the money.
“They (military) said they cancelled the June 12 elections because if they made him President, he would take his money and the country would become bankrupt. Those who were close to Abacha should know this, because Abacha was then one of the big shots; they were all aware.
“Before I end my remarks, I want to appeal to President Tinubu to finally close the chapter of June 12.
“In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida acknowledged that Abiola won the election. When I visited him, he also confirmed that Abiola is owed N45 billion. He was doubly punished: first, denied the presidency; second, denied what is owed to him.”
Lamido also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Allah, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and others who contributed to the event’s success. He remarked, “All manner of gratitude goes to Allah SWT for His endless bounties and blessings for sparing our lives to see this momentous day.”
The former Governor also acknowledged Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” appreciating the former President for his inspiring foreword in the book and for attending the event.
Lamido said, “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being.”
He further praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness and service to our nation,” commending the General for his continued support. Lamido also acknowledged the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious harmony and attending the event despite his busy schedule.
Lamido expressed gratitude to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his role in reviewing the book, calling him a “MunChi comrade” and longtime friend.
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He also commended the Editorial Team and the Organizing Committee for their efforts in ensuring the success of the event, as well as the Media Subcommittee for generating widespread interest in “Being True To Myself.”
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