Lamido Demands ₦45 Billion Compensation For Abiola’s Family To Finally Close June 12 Wounds

Former Jigawa State Governor and one-time National Secretary of the Social Democratic Party, Sule Lamido, has called on President Bola Tinubu to clear the ₦45 billion debt reportedly owed to the family of the late winner of the annulled 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola.

Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of his autobiography, “Being True to Myself,” in Abuja, Lamido said clearing the debt would provide moral and symbolic closure to the historic June 12 democratic struggle and Abiola’s mistreatment.

Lamido directed his message to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammad Idris Malagi, who was present at the event representing the president, urging him to deliver the appeal to Tinubu.

He recalled, “When General Murtala Muhammed died, Abiola came forward with a ₦45 billion claim for contracts executed by his firm, International Telephone and Telecommunication, for the Ministry of Communications. The military initially refused, prompting Abiola to seek the support of northern emirs, who pleaded on his behalf.”

Lamido continued, “The military elite later claimed the June 12 election was annulled because Abiola, if made president, would demand his money, pushing Nigeria into bankruptcy. Those close to Abacha were aware of this reasoning.”

Concluding, Lamido said: “I urge President Tinubu to bring the June 12 saga to a final close. Please, pay the Abiola family the ₦45 billion. That would mark the end of that chapter. It is a matter of great importance.”