Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to pay the ₦45 billion reportedly owed to the family of the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Lamido made the appeal on Tuesday during the public launch of his autobiography, Being True To Myself, held in Abuja. In his address, he urged the government to finally close the chapter on the June 12, 1993, presidential election saga, which saw Abiola win a mandate that was never honored.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Babangida confirmed that Abiola won the election,” Lamido said. He added that the Federal Government’s debt to Abiola amounted to ₦45 billion, based on Babangida’s own account. “Abiola is double punished. One, he was denied the presidency, and two, he is being owed,” Lamido stated.
Speaking to the Minister of Information, who represented the president at the event, Lamido said: “Please tell him [Tinubu] to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed.”
Lamido used the book launch to express gratitude to several dignitaries and contributors. He thanked God for life and success, and described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” acknowledging his foreword and presence at the event.
He also praised General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his integrity and national service, commended the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious unity, and appreciated Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book.
Lamido acknowledged the work of the Editorial and Organising Committees as well as the Media Subcommittee, which helped generate national interest in his book.
