Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to settle the ₦45 billion debt allegedly owed to the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government.
Lamido made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during the public presentation of his autobiography titled “Being True To Myself.”
In his remarks, Lamido said it was time for the Nigerian government to bring closure to the June 12, 1993, presidential election saga.
He noted that Abiola, who won the election but was denied the presidency, was still being wronged decades later.
“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,” Lamido said.
According to him, when he once met with Babangida, the former military leader disclosed that Abiola was being owed ₦45 billion by the government.
“Abiola is double punished. One, he was denied the presidency. Two, he is being owed. Please tell [Tinubu] 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,” Lamido stated, addressing the Minister of Information who represented the President at the event.
In addition to his appeal, Lamido expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the success of his book project.
He thanked Allah for sparing his life to witness the occasion and extended heartfelt appreciation to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as his “Boss, Guide, Leader, and Inspiration.”
“Baba, I sincerely and profoundly thank you. May God Almighty endow and bless you with abundant health, wisdom, joy, and well-being,” he said to Obasanjo, who was present at the event and also wrote the book’s foreword.
He acknowledged General Abdulsalami Abubakar for his integrity and service to the nation, and praised the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for promoting religious unity and attending the event despite his tight schedule.
Lamido further appreciated Dr. Iyorchia Ayu for reviewing the book and referred to him as a longtime friend and comrade.
He also commended the Editorial and Organising Committees for their commitment, and the Media Subcommittee for creating nationwide awareness about the book.
The book launch drew notable figures and stirred fresh conversation around the unresolved issues surrounding the 1993 election and the late MKO Abiola’s legacy.
