Former Jigawa State Governor and ex-National Secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to finally resolve one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s political history.
Lamido appealed to the president to settle the N45 billion debt allegedly owed to the family of late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election.
The request was made during the official unveiling of Lamido’s autobiography, Being True to Myself, held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Lamido said the debt was related to contracts executed by Abiola’s company, International Telephone and Telecommunication (ITT), for the Ministry of Communications during the military era.
According to him, Abiola had submitted claims for the payment before his death, but the military regime at the time denied the request. Lamido explained that Abiola made several efforts, including appealing to northern emirs, to recover the money. However, the military authorities refused to pay.
“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,” Lamido said.
He further noted that clearing this debt would not only serve as justice for Abiola but would also bring closure to the long-standing June 12 issue, which has remained a dark spot in Nigeria’s political timeline.
“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 noted.
Present at the event was the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi, who represented President Tinubu. Lamido took the opportunity to pass on his appeal directly through the minister, urging him to deliver the message to the president.
“Please tell the president to pay the Abiola family the N45 billion. Once this is done, the June 12 chapter will be closed. It is very important,” he said.
