Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Head of
State, Gen. Sanni Abacha, said the late military leader left $9.732
billion in the nation’s treasury before his death in June 8, 1998.
He said it is a smear to tag the late dictator of looting the country.
But Nigeria is still recovering over $500million Abacha loot from
different parts of the world.
Mustapha, who said he would soon publish a book in three volumes
chronicling the events of that era, said Nigerians should ask questions
about how the money was mismanaged. He said the corruption tag placed on
Abacha was because he stepped on many toes in his quest to steer the ship
of state to fruition.
“During Abacha’s four years and seven-month regime, he had numerous
attacks. Apart from the few that were mentioned, there was collaboration
between some notable Nigerians and international powers to move him out of
office.
“General Abacha is dead, but those he stepped upon decided to revenge by
smearing his name and till date, they have not yet forgiven General Abacha
even at death. Sometimes, there were some threats upon Nigeria and the
sustainability of the government then to my knowledge was a key thing.
“So, there was a decision at one point in time, where some stakeholders of
Nigeria; traditional rulers, politicians, businessmen from North and
South, were invited to converge in Abuja, when Chief Tom Ikimi was Foreign
minister.
“When sanctions were threatened on Nigeria, at the request of some notable
Nigerians, some modalities were taken to allow some money go to some
accounts abroad, so that if the sanction comes, that money would be able
to keep Nigeria afloat. That time oil was $7 or $8 per barrel. No money
was taken to run Nigeria, but policies were taken to run Nigeria,
including PTF so that Nigeria could grow.
“When Abacha was in government, loans were not taken even when oil was
being sold for $7 per barrel and yet, he was able to have left $9.732
billion out of nothing and within 11 months, the money disappeared.
Nigerians should ask Chief Olusegun Obasanjo how much he met in government
coffers when he came to power in 1999. Nigerians should ask more questions
rather than asking about the $500 million that is called Abacha’s loot.”
On President Buhari’s government, he said: “Buhari is a man who has a
well-established character.
He is an upright person. He was dragged into politics and he is
transparent, sincere, committed and cares for the country. His love for
Nigeria and Nigerians cannot be questioned by anybody; even if his enemies
are sincere to God, they will say the truth that he really cares about the
people,” he said.