Lamido Urges Tinubu To Settle ₦45 Billion Debt Owed To MKO Abiola’s Family.
Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to resolve a longstanding ₦45 billion debt owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government. The call came during the public presentation of Lamido’s book, Being True To Myself, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Addressing the audience, Lamido emphasised the need to close the chapter on the June 12, 1993, presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Abiola but annulled, denying him the presidency. “I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12,” Lamido said, referencing former President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s admission in his book that Abiola was the rightful winner. Quoting Babangida, Lamido added, “When I went to him, he said Abiola is being owed ₦45 billion. Abiola is double punished. One, he was not given the presidency, and two, he is being owed.”
Speaking directly to the Minister of Information, who represented President Tinubu at the event, Lamido urged him to convey the message to the President. “Please tell him to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion,” he said. “When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important.”
The event, attended by prominent figures including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also served as a platform for Lamido to express gratitude. He thanked Allah for “His endless bounties and blessings” and acknowledged Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration” for writing the book’s foreword and attending the launch. “Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you,” Lamido said, wishing Obasanjo health and wisdom.
Lamido praised General Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness and service” to Nigeria and commended the Sultan for promoting religious harmony despite his demanding schedule. He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, a longtime friend, for reviewing the book, as well as the editorial team, organising committee, and media subcommittee for their efforts in making the event a success and generating widespread interest in Being True To Myself.
The appeal to settle the debt, linked to Abiola’s business dealings disrupted by the annulment’s fallout, underscores a lingering national wound. Lamido’s call for justice for Abiola’s family resonated with attendees, marking a step towards reconciliation and closure for one of Nigeria’s most pivotal historical moments.
