Former Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to settle an alleged ₦45 billion debt owed to the family of the late Chief MKO Abiola by the Federal Government.
Lamido made this passionate plea on Tuesday in Abuja, during the official public presentation of his much-anticipated autobiography titled “Being True To Myself.” The event drew prominent personalities, national leaders, and intellectuals from across the country.
In his address, Lamido emphasized that it is time for Nigeria to find closure regarding the unresolved issues surrounding the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as the freest and fairest in the nation’s history, yet annulled by the military regime of the time.
According to Lamido, Chief MKO Abiola not only won the 1993 election but has continued to suffer posthumous injustices. “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,” he said.
He went on to disclose a significant claim made during a past conversation with former military president Babangida. “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 said, addressing the Minister of Information who represented the President at the launch.
Aside from his political commentary, Lamido used the occasion to extend gratitude to those who played critical roles in the success of his literary endeavor. He expressed deep appreciation to Allah for preserving his life and giving him the opportunity to document his personal and political journey in the form of an autobiography.
He paid glowing tribute to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him 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,” Lamido said, highlighting Obasanjo’s pivotal role in writing the foreword to the book.
Lamido also recognized the contributions of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, praising his integrity, statesmanship, and valuable service to the nation. Additionally, he commended the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his consistent promotion of peace and religious harmony and for attending the launch despite a busy schedule.
A special mention was made of Dr. Iyorchia Ayu, who reviewed the book. Lamido described him as a close friend, intellectual comrade, and a long-time associate who shared in his ideological and political journey.
He concluded by thanking the Editorial and Organising Committees behind the book project, as well as the Media Subcommittee, which helped generate widespread awareness across the country.
The book launch not only celebrated Lamido’s literary contribution but also reignited national dialogue around the long-standing issues of justice, equity, and historical truth linked to the annulled June 12 election and the legacy of MKO Abiola
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