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By Myke Agunwa
Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to pay the ₦45 billion debt owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Nigerian government so that the June 12 injustice will be finally laid to rest.
Lamido made this appeal during the public presentation of his autobiography, “Being True To Myself,” on Tuesday in Abuja.
In a thank you message, Lamido emphasized the importance of resolving the financial debt owed to Abiola, who won the June 12, 1993, Presidential Election but was denied the presidency according to recent confirmation by General Ibrahim Babangida rtd. who conducted the election.
“I would like to appeal to President Tinubu to close the chapter of June 12. In his book, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida revealed that Abiola won the election.
“When I went to him (IBB), 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.”
“Please tell him to pay Abiola’s family the ₦45 billion. When this money is paid, the chapter of June 12 will be closed. It is very important,” he told Tinubu who was represented at the occasion by The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Lamido paid glowing tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration,” adding that Obasanjo’s inspiring foreword in the book and his physical presence at the launch were marks of trust and confidence.
“Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being,” Lamido said.
Lamido also expressed gratitude to General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his “professional truthfulness and service to our nation,” noting that General Abubakar had always supported him in his endeavors.
He praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his remarkable efforts in promoting religious harmony and attending the event despite his busy schedule.
Lamido acknowledged Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for his role in reviewing the book, describing him as a “MunChi comrade” and longtime friend. He commended the Editorial Team for their patience and resilience and the Organising Committee for their tireless work in ensuring the event’s success.
He also lauded the Media Subcommittee for creating a nationwide announcement that generated widespread interest in the book “Being True To Myself.”